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French's International CoDyrighted (in England, her Colonies, and tht. 

ed States) Edition of the Works elf the Best Authors* 
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C8 
1907 
Copy 1 



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No. 180. 

FPU) AT YASSAR I 



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OWEN DAVIS 

author of "at yale," etc. 

Copyright, 1907, by Jules Murry and Owen Davis 

All Rights Reserved 

CAUTION:— All persons are hereby warned that "Cupid at 
Vassar" being fully protected under the copyright laws 
of the United States, is subject to royalty and any one 
presenting the play without the consent of the author or 
his authorized agent, will be liable to the penalties by law 
provided. Application for stage rights must be made to 
Samuel French, z4 West 32nd Street, New York City. 



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CUPID AT VASSAR 

31 College ComeDp £>rama in four ftcts 



BY 



OWEN DAVIS 

AUTHOR OF "AT YALE," ETC. 



Copyright, 1907, by Jules Murry and Owen Davis 



CAUTION -.—All persons are hereby warned that "Cupid at Vassar," 
being fully Drotected under the copyright laws of the United S< 

is subject {. 1 royalty, and any one presenting the play without the 
consent of the author or his authorised egent, will be liable to th* 

penalties by law provided. Application for stage right! "\ 
made to Samuel French, M Weal Mid Street, New York I 



London 
SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD, 
36 Southampton Si ri i r 

STRAND 



\! W V 

BAMUB1 FRENCH 

PUBl I8HI R 

14 V 



PS 3 507 
. A 74-5 C * 






Cast of Gbaracters. 

ACT I. 

John Willett A young architect 

Amos North Of North & Son, Bankers 

Shiny A lazy darkey 

Hank (tUBBin The " hired man " 

Mrs. Newton Of Great Falls, Vermont 

Kate Her daughter 

Wanda Kate's half sister 

Miss Page . . .' 

Sally Webb, Matty Hart, Alice Worth, 
Patty Snow, Helen Conway. 

As many more College Girls as are desired. 

Synopsis, 

ACT I. 

Scene: — Sitting room of Kate's home in Vermont. 
(At the old home.) 

ACT II. 

Scene: — Kate's room, in a Senior double. 
(At Vassar.) 

ACT III. 

Scene : — Same set as Act I., with snow and winter 

backing and Christmas tree, etc. 

( Vacation titm 

ACT IV. 
Scene: — College Campus at Vai 

(Graduation Day.) 



4 CUPID AT VASSAR. 

Costumes* 

Costumes modern and in keeping with the dif- 
ferent characters. If the play is produced by all 
girls the four male parts can be dressed as follows : 

John Willett : Acts I, II and IV, long auto- 
mobile coat. Act III, long overcoat. 

Amos : Act I, long linen duster. Act II, long 
light overcoat or a long Prince Albert. Act III, 
automobile coat. 

Shiny and Hank : As both are eccentric comedy 
characters they can be dressed in an eccentric 
manner. 



CUPID AT VASSAR. 



ACT I. 



Scene: — Sitting room at Mrs. Carroll's. An old- 
fashioned room in a New England farm house. 
The windows at back look out on country lane. 
This lane is painted on backing and a white 
picket fence with gate in between back and win- 
dows. Door is well over stage L. Door to other 
room stage r. Large red brick fireplace at l. 
Old New England colonial furniture. Book 
shelf and desk at n. Lights on full white, rag 
carpet down, tall eight-day clock up C. 

Discovered: — At rise birds sing. Wanda and Mrs. 
Carroll discovered — Wanda on her knees be- 
fore a pile of books r. Mrs. Carroll l., pack- 
ing clothes in trunk. When curtain is well up 
Wanda speaks. 

Wanda, (r.) Have you seen my French dic- 
tionary, mother? 

Mrs. Carroll. It's there with the rest of the 
books. You're going away from me to-morrow, 
Wanda, for the very first time in your life. 

WandA. I am if I can get my things ready in 
time, but I can't do that unless you stop bothering 
me. 

Mrs. C (l.) My dear! 

Wanda. Oh, I don't mean to be cross — but it's 

6 



G CUPID AT YAS3AR. 

so foolish to make a fuss over my going away. Kate 
has been three years at Vassar and you never carried 
on so when she left. 

Mrs. C. Kate is different. She is strong like her 
poor father. 

Wanda, (crosses c.) I wish you would not talk 
about her father. I hate her. (cross l.) My father 
was a gentleman, and Kate's father was a common 
farmer he used to plant his own fields and water 
his own stock. 

Mrs. C. (cross r.) I guess your father watered 
that railroad stock of his about as much as the law 
would let him. 

Wanda. How dare you talk against my father. 
Oh, I know you never loved him as much as you did 
your first husband and he knew it, too. That's why 
he left all he could of his money to me. 

Mrs. C. There, there, you are going away to- 
morrow. We must not let ourselves be cross to-day. 
Where's Hank? 

Wanda, (crosses r.) I don't know. 

Mrs. C. I must send him for the railroad tickets. 
(she goes up to door calling) Hank, Hank. That 
boy is never around when he is wanted, (gets her 
bonnet) Hank, Hank, I say. (exit through door 
into lane still calling) Hank, Hank, where are you? 
(goes off r. u.) 

Wanda, (r., by bookcase) That's just like 
mother going out just when I wanted her to help 
me. (picks up book) Ah/ here's my French dic- 
tionary now. 

(The toot of an automobile horn is heard and Shiny 
runs on stage and calls in window.) 

Shiny. Say, say, Miss Wanda, there's a great big 
automobile stopping in the road right in front of our 
house. 

Wanda. Stopping here? (she rises) 

Shiny, (looking out L.) Yes, Miss Wanda, and 



CUPID AT VASSAR. 7 

dey is a couple of young female pussons walking up 
the path to our house. 

Wanda, (runs to ivindow) Do they look like 
ladies ? 

Shiny. No, they look like peaches. Dey ain't 
no common country folks like us. You all had better 
pick up dat muss on the floor befo' dey sees it. 

Wanda. Gracious, you are right. Help me, 
Shiny ! 

(Shiny runs into house and as she begins to pick up 
books,) 

Shiny. Hurry up, be quick. Dey are comin', 
hustle along. 

(Wanda piles all books in Shiny's arms, which 
Shiny drops and picks up again — Helen and 
Sally laugh outside and enter in lane back of 
house. Wanda to Shiny.) 

Wanda, (to Shiny) Oh, dear, now you've done 
it, here they are ! 

( Just as two girls comWvO door in back, Shiny is on 
his knees by door r. Hank enters door r., 
reading paper. He stumbles over Shiny's feet 
and falls c. Just as Helen and Sally enter 
the open door at back, Sally screams and 
Helen laughs.) 

Wanda, (r. To Hank) Hank, what are you 
trying to do? (Hank sits up) 

Hank, (c.) I don't know what I was trying to 
do, but I done it all right. 

Sally, (up l. c.) I beg your pardon, but we 
are looking for Miss Newton. 

Wanda. Come in, please. I will send for her. 
(Sally and Helen cross down l.) Hank, go find 
Miss Kate. 

Hank. I'd love to do it, but I can't. I'm druv 
mosy crazy with work. 



8 CUPID AT VASSAR. 

Shiny. You ain't never done work enough t 
drive a lunatic crazy. 

Hank. Ain't I? Well, I'm goin' on an erranc 
for your ma, Miss Wanda. She gave me the monej 
to boy too tickets for you and Kate to go to Vassar 

Wanda. Well, hurry back, because I want yo- 
to help Shiny move the trunks. 

Hank. Me, move trunks, well maybe I will wtiei 
I get back, (he crosses up to door) If I feel like 1 
had the strength. 

(EXITS to window. Shiny goes up to ivindoiv 
with armful of books as Hank exits. Helex 
laughs.) 

Sally, (to Helen) Don't. 

(Hank sticks his head in window.) 

Hank. I'm sorry, Shiny, you'll have to move the 
trunks. 

(Shiny hits Hank on head with a booh; Hank 
yells and runs out l. Helen laughs at this.) 

Wanda, (c.) Shiny, /-^w dare you! You go 
about your business. 

Shiny, (l. c. Drops all boohs and tvalhs over 
them to c.) Just as you say, Miss Wanda. I does 
hope the ladies will excuse the manners of some folks 
around here. I does all I can to educate them, but 
the results ain't encouraging. I might just as well 
spend my time trying to teach a pig to catch fleas. 

(EXITS door l. c.) 

Wanda. You must excuse us, you see the house 
is all upset. Kate and I are leaving for Vassar to- 
morrow. 

Sally. Then you must be Wanda. I am Kate's 
room-mate Sally Webb, and this is Miss Conway. 

Helen, (cross to Wanda r. c.) Then you am 
I will both be freshmen this year, won't we, Mis 
Xewton ? 



CUPID AT VASSAR. 9 

Wanda, (r.) Oh, dear, my name is not New- 
ton; it is Carroll. Kate and I are only half sisters. 

Sally, (l.) I am sure she could not love you 
more if you were really her whole sister. 

Wanda. 1 don't know, but we're all going to be 
friends at Vassar. You may as well know that Kate 
and I don't always agree. You see we are in rather 
different positions. My father left me a lot of 
money, and Kate, why, she hasn't a cent, (she 
crosses to door r.) 

Helen, (l. c. Aside to Sally) She's a little 
beast. 

Sally. Hush! (l.) 

Wanda, (r., at door) If you will step into the 
parlor, please, I will see if I can find Kate. 

Sally. Where is she? 

Wanda, (c.) She said she was going out to say 
good-bye to the flowers. Kate has been three years 
at Vassar and I think she is awfully silly sometimes. 

(Sally and Helen cross Wanda to right. Helen 
laughs and Sally pushes open door r. Wanda 
exits after girls right, door, r. 2.) 

Mrs. C. (outside) Wanda! Shiny! Where is 
everyone? (enters door L. c.) Nobody around and 
a great big automobile standing in front of our 
house. What will the neighbors say. I never can 
make up my mind that automobiles are quite re- 
spectable. Somehow they always seem to remind me 
of accidents and other dangerous things. 

(Wanda enters r. 2.) 

Wanda. Mother, there are some visitors here for 
Kale. They came in an automobile. 

Mrs. 0. (l. c.) Are you sure they are quite 
respectable? 

Wanda. Don't be silly, mother. One of them is 
Sally Webb, Kate's room-mate at Vassar. (crosses 
L., to mirror-— arranges her hair) 



10 CUPID AT VASSAR. 

Mrs. C. (r.) Mercy sakes, I will go to them at 
once. You fetch Kate. (taking off her colored 
apron and putting on white one) 

Wanda, (l.) Where is she? 

Mrs. C. Out walking with that John Willett. 

Wanda. . (suqws great anger) What! (turning 
from mirror) 

Mrs. C. Yes, and I wish she wouldn't. Kate has 
got to make a good marriage and he hasn't a red 
cent. I set my heart on her taking Amos North, 
but it looks as if she was more than half in love 
with this John Willett. 

(She exits door r.) 

Wanda. Oh, if she dares. She knows that I 
always loved him. (crosses to sofa l.) Now if she 
has taken him from me — Oh, Fll — Fll — Oh, I 
always hated her — (sits on sofa) always. 

(Shiny enters and calls through window.) 

Shiny. Say — Miss Wanda — look — (he points aut 
r.) Look! Miss Kate is coming. 

Wanda. What of it ? 

Shiny. Nothing only I hates to let her out of 
mah sight — she's going away to-morrow. 

Wanda. So am I. 

Shiny. Dat's good — look, Miss — there dey come. 

Wanda. They — who is with her ? 

Shiny. Dat Mr. Willett. (Wanda angry) And 
dey sure does make a mighty fine couple. 

Wanda. Shiny, you are a fool. 

Stitxy. Yes, Miss — I done guess it's from living 
all alone here wid your mah and you. (Wanda exits 
angrily at r. Music cue for Kate. Shiny waves 
his hat) Come on — run — run, Miss Kate — he can't 
catch yer. 

(Kate runs in gate and to house laughing with her 
arms full of flowers. John follows, but stops 
at gate as if to get his breath.) 



CUPID AT VASSAR. H 

Kate. Come in. 

John, (enters) You beat me. 

Kate. Beat you — why I have won the champion- 
ship in the hundred-yard dash at Vassar for three 
years. Sit down — and rest. 

Shiny, (at door) Kin I get anything, Missie? 

Kate. Yes — get out. 
(Shiny exists laughing and turns in door.) 

Shiny. I newer did ! No sail. I nebber did 
see sich a girl, (he crosses down lane and out of 
sight) 

John. It is too bad to lose any part of this 
perfect day, (he rises) but I must go back to the 
office. 

Kate, (arranging flowers) You need not hurry 
— it is my last day you know. 

John. I am not very likely to forget it. It is 
all right for you — you are going back to your college 
— but it is hard on those you leave behind you. 

Kate. Oh, yes — mother — (she crosses to desk 
and puts some of her flowers in vase) 

John, (follows her over r., to desk) Your 
mother is not the only one you leave behind who 
love — who is fond of you. 

Kate. Do you think so ? 

John. Kate, I think that I 

Kate, (crosses away) Oh — I think I'll cal) 
mother. 

John. Kate ! 

Kate, (turns) Yes. 

John. I — I can see your mother any day yo^ 
know — after you have gone. 

Kate. That is so sweet of you. Mother will bo 
lonely without either of her daughters — but of course 
if you come here every day to see her 

John. Eh — yes — yes — I — I expect I have been 
calling every day of late. 

Kate. I am sure that mother has been very glad 
to see you. 



[•> CUPID AT VASSAR. 

John. Is that all? (he crosses close to her) 
Has no one else been glad besides your mother? 

Kate. Oh, yes — (he smiles) My sister. 

John, (disgusted) Your sister! You know 
that it isn't your sister 1 have been coming here to 

see — it is 

(Mrs. C. enters.) 

Kate. Mother! I know. Mother, Mr. Willett 
was just saying 

John. That I must run back to the office. 

Mrs. C. Oh— that's too bad ! 

Kate. I told you she would be sorry. 

John, (to Kate) But — but if the message I 
am expecting is not there — may — may T come back. 

Kate. Mother — Mr. Willett is asking you a 
question. 

Mrs. C. I think he was asking you, my dear. 

John. Yes — you. 

Kate. Me ! Oh — yes — yes — come back — I am 
always glad to see you. 

John, (tenderly to her — aside) Is that all that 
you can say ? 

Kate. Oh, dear no — mother's glad, too. 

John. 

Kate. What is it, John? 

John. 

Mrs. C. 

John. Good afternoon. 

Mrs. C. Kate — did you study flirtation at 
Vassar. (crosses to c) 

Kate. Oh, no. 

Mrs. 0. You seem to know a lot about it. 

Kate. So many people are saying lately, mother 
dear, that i am just like you — when yon were a girl. 

Mrs. C. Can't you try to be serious for once. 

Kate. 1 might try, but 1 am afraid it would be 
no use. 

Mrs. C. That young man hasn't a dollar in the 
world. 




CUPID AT VASSAR. 13 

Kate. Oh, yes he has, for he asked me to go to 
the Musical to-night — he must have at least two 
dollars, mother. 

Mrs. C. Have you promised to marry him? 

Kate. No. 

Mrs. C. 1 am so glad. 

Kate. I couldn't promise him that. 

Mrs. C. Good. 

Kate. Because he has never asked me. 

Mrs. C. I don't want you to go to that concert 
with him — that's the very chance he wants. You 
are going away to-morrow — stay at home to-night 
and the danger will be over. 

Kate. He is very poor, isn't he? 

Mrs. C. Yes. • 

Kate. If I should go without seeing him again, 
you would let him borrow a stamp, wouldn't you? 

Mrs. C. Kate — Wanda has got money from her 
father. You've hardly got enough to finish your 
year at Yassar. I do want you to marry well. Now 
there's Amos North — he's got more money than any 
young man in Great Falls. 

Kate. He needs more. 

Mrs. 0. He's crazy in love with you. 

Kate. I've noticed the crazy part. 

Mrs. C. If you were his wife you could do as you 
pleased. 

Kate. Then I should get a divorce. 

Mrs. C. I give yon up, Kate Newton — ) ilon'1 
believe you've got good sense. 

Kate. You shouldn't s;iy that, mother — when vvc 
are so nine]) alike. 

Mrs. C. Oh, dear, I had almost forgotten some 
friends of yours at Yassar were riding through the 
village and they arc? sitting in the parlor. 

Kate. Friends of mine? Who? 

Mrs. ( ( . That Sally Webb you are always talking 
about is one of ihem. 

KATE. Sally here, and you never (old me. {she 



14 CUPID AT VASSAR. 

runs to door r.) Sally, Sally, where are you Sa — : — 

Sally, (out r.) Here. 

Kate. Sally — (Sally enters and runs into 
Kate's arms) You dear thing — it is so good to see 
you again. 

(Helen enters.) 

Sally. After to-morrow we will see one another 
every day. This is Miss Conway, Kate, a freshman. 

Kate. I am glad to know you, Miss Conway, if 
you are a friend of Sally's. (Kate grips Helen's 
hand, causing her to scream. .Auto horn outside) 

Mrs. C. Kate Newton, I'm ashamed of you. 

(Exits door R. Shiny enters and stops at windoio.) 

Shiny. I say, Miss, the gentleman in the auto- 
mobile says that he don't want to hurry you but — 

Sally. But what? 

Shiny. That's all, just but — (auto horn) It 
looks to me though as if he'd say worse if you kept 
him waiting much longer. 

Sally. My father. We'll see you to-morrow, 
dear. Good-bye. 

Helen, (crosses to Kate) I'm sure we will 
have lots of fun at Vassar. (Helen grips Kate's 
hand, causing Kate to scream) 

Kate. You're all right for a freshman. 

Sally. Don't forget those old clothes you prom- 
ised me. Good-bye. 

All. Good-bye. 

(All the three girls start for door L. c. laughing and 
talking and trying to exit at once. Shiny is 
inside of door bowing and scraping to girls as 
they exit. Auto effect outside. Kate at gate 
calling good-bye until girls well off.) 

Shiny. My goodness, don't they talk. They 
surely ain't nothing can talk more than a woman, 
less it's two women. 



CUPID AT VASSAR. 15 

(Kate enters.) 

Kate. • Oh, it is so good to see Sally again, she is 
such a dear. 

Shiny. Say, Miss Kate, you remember what you 
had promised me about getting me a job at Vassal 
College. 

Kate, I only promised to try. 

Shiny. That's all I ask. If you ail try it's as 
good as did. Dey can't nobody refuse you nothing. 
Just tell 'em that I'm a worker, a great worker when 
I likes my job. 

Kate. All right, you shall have the work. 

Shiny. I didn't say anything about work — I 
said a job. Work's work, but a job's a job — I wants 
a job. 

Kate. If you are anxious to show me how well 
you can work, Shiny, just you run up in the attic 
and bring down that old trunk of my grandmother's. 
(Shiny crosses r., starts for door) Wait, the little 
black one with the brass nails. 

Shiny. All right, Miss Kate. I'll tote it clown — 
but don't you all forget about that job. I got a 
feelin' that if I ever got a job at Vassar College, I'd 
be a regular Vassarlina. 

(lie exits door r. Amos North enters in lane, 
crosses tlirougli gate to door l. c.) 

Kate. He shall have this job if Miss Page fan 
got it for him. It will be such fun to show him to 
the girls. 

(Amos North, a young and rather over-dieted 
country youth, enters at door. Tie smihs rather 
foolishly.) 

Amos. Hello, Kate. 

Kate, (turns and sees him) Why, Amos Norjth ! 
I thought I told you I would be too busy to see any- 
one to-day. 

Amos. Hid you — ah well — girls never know their 



1G CUPID AT VASSAR. 

own minds two days running. I got a new hor&e, 
Kate. 

Kate. Is that so — why aren't you driving it? 

Amos. Because I'd rather take you out for a 
walk. 

Kate. The idea — walk ! It's too hot — besides 
I am too tired. 

Amos. You are always too tired to go to walk 
with me. 

Kate. Oh, dear no — only I am so dreadfully 
busy. 

(John crosses at bach and stands in door.) 

John. Miss Newton — it's all right, I can get 
away — won't you come for a little walk. 

Kate. Oh, yes — I should love it. 

Amos. What — I thought it was too hot — and you 
were too tired. 

Kate. The Lord has changed the weather, Mr. 
North — and I have changed my mind. 

(She runs out door and down path and off with 
John.) 

Amos. And that's the best I get. She's glad to 
go with him, but she's too tired to go with me— I 
can't understand it. The girl must be a fool. 
(Wanda enters.) 

Wanda. Why, Amos — I didn't know you were 
here. Where is Kate? 

Amos, (sulky) Out — out to walk. 

Wanda. Why didn't you go with her? 

Amos. Ha — ha — ha — (laughs a short and ugly 
laugh) They didn't want me. 

Wanda. They ! 

Amos. John Willett came for her. 

Wanda. Again. 

Amos. I've got my opinion of a man that's got 
nothing better to do than hang around — day times 
— with a girl. 



CUPID AT VASSAR. tf 

Wanda. What do you do? 

Amos, (angry) I hope you don't compare me 
to John Willett. 

Wanda. I should hope not! He's a real smart 
man. 

Amos. Architect he calls himself — and nobody 
\u this town would trust him to build a hen-house. 
It's only his cheek that keeps him going; he never 
designed anything in his life but castles in the air. 

Wanda* (angry) Well he don't drink too much 
wine — like soliie people I know. 

Amos. You bet he don't. He couldn't pay for 
wine enough to give a rabbit indigestion, (she turns 
away angrily and crosses up to window. He follows 
her) Look here, Wanda — I want Kate — she's got 
to marry me. She's the only girl that could ever 
keep me straight and I know it. 

Wanda. Don't tell me your troubles. I can't 
be bothered with them. 

Amos. You ought to be — when they are your 
troubles too- — (Wanda surprised) Oh, I know — 
you are in love with John Willett yourself, (she 
starts to speak and he stops her by raising his hand) 
Don't bother to deny it — because I know better. 
Xow it's up to you, Wanda — if you and I are smart 
— we could keep those two apart. 

Wanda. What ! Do you think that I would do 
anything that was not honorable? 

Amos. Ha — ha — ha — (he crosses to door) 

Wanda, (follows) Do you think I would take 
part in any trickery to separate two persons who — 
who care for one another? 

Amos, (at door) Tell those things to John. 
He hasn't lived around here as long as I have. 

(Tie exits and passes down the lane and out.) 

Wanda. He — he is a fool — hut he is right. 
Kale has only known John such a little while — if she 

had noi come hack this Slimmer he would have cared 



18 CUPID AT VASSAR. 

for me — I — I would not do anything that was not 
right — but he would be glad some day if some real 
friend should keep him from marrying her. 

(She exits. Kate and John on at back and stop at 
gate. John steps towards her as if to take her 
hand and she avoids him and crosses into house. 
He follows.) 

Kate. Well — I have already promised to go to 
the Musical with you to-night. What more do you 
want? 

John. I would like to have you stop laughing at 
me. 

Kate. I am so happy to-day that I think I could 
laugh at anything. 

John. Happy, (he closes close up to her) And 
to-morrow you will be erone. 

Kate. Mother will be here. 

John. Kate! (he puts his hand on her arm) 
You can't play with me. I am in earnest. You 
must listen to me. (John puts his arms around 
Kate, who puts fowers into his hands) 

John, (confused) Thank you, I — I — 

Kate. You like flowers, don't you? 

John. I like these flowers. 

Kate. They are pretty. In all the world you'll 
find no prettier flowers than the poppy and the pink. 

John. Kate, you must listen to me. 

Kate. I will listen — if you will let me go. 

John. I don't want to ever let you go! 

Kate. Well, let's sit down. We can't stand this 
way forever. 

John. Kate — have you a heart? 

Kate, (looks up at him, then softens) Yes, 
John — (tenderly, then lighter) and — and it's acting 
very queerly — just now. 

John. You know that I am poor — but I am 
doing good work. I have sent drawings to New 
York, that I know will give me my start. 



CUPID AT VASSAR. 19 

Kate. Good. 

John, (with great earnestness) I have sub- 
mitted plans of a church. 

Kate, (interrupts) A church — this is growing 
interesting — until you spoke about a church I — I 
had begun to think this was a business discussion. 

John. By the time your year at Vassar is over 
I will be in a position to 

(Wadna enters door r., as he begins to speak and 
now steps forward showing by his manner that 
she has made up her mind to stop him.) 

Wanda. I am sure I beg your pardon. (They 
separate, both are confused and angry) Am I in 
the way? 

Kate, (a little nasty) No dear, you are never 
in the way. 

Wanda. My books are not packed yet you know. 
(she crosses up to shelf) 

John. Kate — to-night. 

Kate. Yes. 

John. You must give me a chance to speak to 
you — alone. 

Kate, (softly) I will be waiting for you, John 
— to-night. 

John. Good-bye. (he crosses up to door) Good 
afternoon, Miss Wanda. 

Wanda. I do hope that I haven't driven you 
away ! 

John, (laughs) Not so far, but that I shall be 
back again. 

(He exits out door and off.) 

Wanda. I am sorry, Kate, that I interrupted 
you. 

Kate. So am I. (she crosses to table and hunts 
about.) Did you get the string? 

Wanda. I forgot it. 

Kate. I can't pack without it. I will have to 



20 CUPID AT VASSAR. 

go to the store, (she picks up her hat and crosses to 
door) I'll be back in five minutes. 

Wanda. Kate! (Kate stop*) I have some- 
thing to say to you. 

Kate. Won't it keep until I get the string? 

Wanda. It — it is about Mr. Willett. Kate, he 
— he's not just the man that I could advise you to 
trust. 

Kate. I know, dear, but then I haven't asked 
your advice. 

Wanda. He, he is very fickle, Kate — and — and 
he does not mean all he says. 

Kate. In other words, he is a man — that is not 
news to me. 

Wanda. I know him better than you do. 

Kate, (very sweetly) You do now, darling, 
(exit through door) but in the future, I shall know 
him very much better than you. (at window exit r.) 

Wanda. She loves him — it's no use. Amos North 
always was a fool — what can we do — nothing at all. 
Nothing — we might just as well make up our mincls 
to that. 

(She selects several books and places them in a pile 
and picks them up and crosses toward door at 
r. For about twenty seconds there is a pause. 
As she gets to door r.. John enters, from L., in 
lane at back and crosses up path- to house and 
stops in door. John's manner is hurried and 
excited.) 

John. Miss Wanda — (she turns and is sur- 
prised) I have news — T must see your sister. 

Wanda. She is not at home. 

John. I must see her — I have just ten- minutes 
before train time. 

Wanda. You are going away? 

John. Yes — to New York. I submitted some 
drawings for a New York church — just now— ^T 
found a Mr. Nathan and his daughter at my office — 



CUPID AT VASSAR. 21 

the head of the board, they have chosen my plans 
from among fifty others — and I must go with them 
to New York at once. 

Wanda. It is good news — it is your start, Mr. 
Willett. 

John. I knew it would come — a man doesn't 
work as I have worked for nothing — it means every- 
thing to me — and I hope it does for Kate, (she 
turns away) I promised to see her to-night — but 
now it will be impossible and before I return she will 
be at Vassar. Could you tell me where she went. 

Wanda. I — I do not know. 

John. If it were only to one of the stores, I 
could follow her. 

Wanda. Oh, no — in fact she — she told me that 
she would not return before dark. 

John. Then I can't see her. I will have to leave 
a message — eoulft I write her a note? 

Wanda. There — (she points to table, he crosses 
and sits) 

John. I am going to say in the note what I had 
intended to say to her to-night — that I love her — 
and that I want her to be my wife. 

Wanda. Oh- — (she sits in chair) 

John. (looks up) Anything wrong? 

Wanda. No — no — I am a little tired. (he 
writes) 

John. You will see that she gets this, won't you? 
(he folds it) I will leave it here with you. 

Wanda. With me? 

John. Yes. (he rise*. TTc crosses to Iter ami 
holds out his hand) Good-bye. 

Wanda. Good-bye. (she does vol take his hand 
and puts her own back of her) Why — why don't 
you mail your letter? It is safer, Mr. ^ T illci{. 

John. Oh, no — she must get it before to-night, 
as she would not know what io think. 1 will leave it 
with you — good-bye. 

(He exits door.) 



22 CUPID AT VASSAR. 

Wanda. I warned him not to leave it here with 
me. 

(She crosses slowly to get letter, Shiny enters door 
n., with small black trunk. Just as Wanda 
puts out her hand to pick up letter Shiny drops 
trunk. At the sound, Wanda screams and 
jumps away from table leaving the letter ivhere 
it ivas.) 

Shiny. Did ah skeer yer? 

Wanda. What are yon doing here? 

Shiny. Dun fetched dis here ole trunk fo' Miss 
Kate. 

Wanda. Well, go away. I don't want yon here. 

Shiny. All right — de treatment ar gets from 
everybody in dis house besides Miss Kate am enough 
to make a thoughtful man like me wish he had been 
born an egg. 

(Quick exit n. Wanda watches him off, then turns 
to run to table, before she gets to it Kate enters 
at door with ball of string in her hand.) 

Kate. Here's the string. (W t anda stops, afraid) 
Got your packing done? 

Wanda. No. 

Kate. Why not ? Has anyone been here while I 
was out ? 

Wanda, (hesitates) No — 

Kate. What in the world have you been doing? 

Wanda. I — I wrote a letter. (she crosses to 
table and picks up John's letter) 

Kate. A letter? 

Wanda. Yes, but I shall not send it now. (she 
tears the letter up and crushes the fragments in her 
hand) 

Kate. Well, I haven't time to write letters and 
then throw them away. I must finish my packing. 
(she kneels by trunk) I am going out this evening 
with Mr. Willett. 

Wanda. Mr. Willett has gone to New York. 



CUPID AT VASSAR. 23 

Kate, (looks up) What. 

Wanda. Yes — he said he won't go with you to- 
night. 

Kate, (quickly) I thought you said no one had 
been here while I was out. 

Wanda. I — I saw him passing with his bag — 
he said he was going to New York. 

Wanda, (rises) What message did he leave for 
me. 

Wanda. Message — why he left no message at all. 

Kate. He must have said something. He had 
asked me to go to the Musical with him to-night. 

Wanda. Oh, yes — that is what he meant? I did 
not understand it at the time. 

Kate. What ? 

Wanda. He said for me to tell you that it was 
all a mistake. 

Kate. All a mistake. 

Wanda. Yes— about the Musical I suppose. 

(Hank enters a gate and up to door and enters. 
Kate turns away to control herself.) 

Hank. I got them tickets, (he takes off his 
straw hat and takes two R. R. tickets out) Here 
they be. (he gives the tickets to Wanda) 

Waneva.. You were long enough getting them. 

Hank. Couldn't helpt it. There was ther pret- 
tiest girl I ever see down to ther station and I had 
to take a good look at her. 

Wanda. A pretty girl — who was she? 

Hank. I der know ! Better ask John Willett. 
(Kate looks up) His girl I guess — anyway she and 
him went away together on the train. 

(He exits.) 

Wanda. I told you, Kate, not to trust him. 

Hank, (at window) They'll be getting married 
some day and I bet you'll read that in the papers, 
too. 



24 CUPID AT VASSAR. 

(Exit through gate l. u.) 

Kate. It doesn't seem to me that he could go 
away like that — after — after to-day — without a word. 

Wanda, (she crosses to her) Let me comfort 
you. 

Kate, (sharply) You go and pack your tritrils.- 
If I need any smelling salts Til go and get them r.\v- 
self. (Wanda exits angrily, Kate sits 1 y trunk and 
tosses her head) I am not going to cry about a?1v 
man, I didn't ask him to love me! He sakl hs 
wanted to tell me something to-night — nn] — and I 
thought — I — I won't break my heart ! They shan't 
make fun of me! No man is wo 1 th a woman's 
tears— I won't cry — I — Oh — Oh, I loved him — I did 
love him. 

(She drops her head on her arms and cries. Door r< 
opens and Mrs. Carroll enters and crosses to 
her.) 

Mrs. C. Kate! Kate! Wanda told me about 
that man — Kate! are you crying for him? 

Kate, (looks up) N — No — I — I was asleep; 

Mrs. C. You were crying ! 

Kate. I got something in my eye. 

Mrs. C« Where is your pride — do you want folks 
to say he jilted you ! 

Kate. If they dare! (she rises proudly) 

Mrs. C. They will say it. 

Kate. Can't a girl flirt a little with a man- 
without people saying she cared for him ! Other 
men besides John Willett have paid me attentions— 
and I am going to marry one of them, too — no man 
shall say that I broke my heart for him. 

Mrs. C. You promise to marry Amos North and 
you'll put a gag in everybody's mouth. 

Kate. Yes — and Fd put the biggest gag in my 
own mouth. 

Mrs. C. I suppose you'd rather everyone said 
you'd ran after a man that didn't want you. 



CUPID AT VASSAR. 25 

Kate. They shall not say that ! It would kill 
me. 

Mrs. C. Amos has got money, lots of it, and he 
loves you. Marry him and you will be the finest lady 
in town and you can laugh at this upstart and the 
pretty girl Wanda savs he's in love with. 

Kate. I— I'll do'it! I will! I will. 

Mrs. C. I'll send Amos right to you. 

Kate. Wait ! Wait ! Can't I take it a little at 
a time — the way I do cod liver oil? 

Mrs. C. I always told you the way to take a nasty 
dose was to shut your eyes and swallow it quick. 
(She exits.) 

Kate. I — I am sure I couldn't swallow Amos. 
Oh, I am ashamed ! John Willett knows I love him. 
He knows it. I don't care! I'll marry Amos. I 
will if it kills me ! I'll let him tell everybody I'm 
going to marry him— then I will go back to Vassar 
— and have a good time. I won't think of John 
again — Never— never a single thought, (she sits on 
floor by trunk) He had such a tender voice — just 
the voice I — Oh, dear — Oh, dear — Amos has got a 
voice like a cow. 

(Wanda enters.) 

Wanda, (at door) Are you going to take those 
things of grandmother's? 

Kate. I promised the girls — they want them for 
the Senior theatricals. 

Wanda. Well, hurry up — I think there is room 
for them in my trunk. 

(She exits. Kate opens trunk.) 

Kate. I am going to get even with some man for 
what this man has done to me — and as for Amos! 
The day he marries me — good-bvc, Amos! (she 
hikes out tin car I nun pel front trunk) What's this? 
Grannie's ear trumpet — poor old thing. She was as 
deaf as a post— and her spectacles —ami — my — look 
at ih.il a false front, [she* holds up grey false 



26 CUPID AT VASSAR. 

front) Humph! I never knew that before! and a 
dress ! (she holds up an old-fashioned flowered 
dress) Isn't that the dearest thing! I won't give 
that to the girls. I'll just keep it myself. It's just 
the thing for the " Gym " dance. I wonder how it 
goes. Oh, yes. (she puts dress on) My, but wasn't 
the skirts full in those days— and the bodice, (she 
holds it up and starts to put it on) With full 
sleeves and it really fits very well — and buttons, too, 
and this dear old fichu, (she puts it on, and looks at 
herself in glass) The girls will be just crazy about 
this, and the bonnet! 

(She picks up an old poke bonnet, but docs not put 
it on. Shiny enters at door after song.) 

Shiny. Fo' de land sakes, Miss Kate, what hab 
you — all got on. 

K,ate. Grandmother's old clothes, Shiny. 

Shiny. Well, you-all better take 'em off again 
right smart unless you wants dat Mister Amos North 
fo catch you in 'em. 

Kate. Amos North. 

Shiny. He's coming now — right up de lane. 

Kate, (in terror) Mother told him and he is 
coming for his answer. 

Shiny, (at door) Here he is — right here. 

Kate. I'll run ! Quick ! See if there is anyone 
there to see me ! (she points to door U* Shiny runs 
and looks out door r.) 

Wanda, (outside) Get out. 

Shiny. Miss Wanda am darf 

Kate. She would be sure to tell on me. Keep 
her away for a minute, Shiny — I'll hide in the 
orchard, (shd pushes him out door R., and runs C.) 
I can't see him ! I can't, and I won't, (she runs to 
door at back just as Amos enters in lane) Too late! 
but I won't let him talk to me. 

(As Amos crosses down lane she jumps to trunk, 
pins on false white curls and big poke bonnet, 



CUPID AT VASSAR. 27 

puts on big spectacles and grabs up knitting, 
and as Amos looks in door she is rocking, quietly 
knitting a stocking. This change must be done 
in the least possible time.) 

Amos, (in door) Is anybody at home? (he 
sees Kate in chair) I beg your pardon — I beg your 
pardon. (Kate goes on rocking and knitting and 
pays no attention to him) Ahem — ahem — (he 
crosses down to her) 

Kate, (looks up and speaks all the balance of 
scene in high, cracked voice) If yer a book agent, 
you'd better get right out of the house. 

Amos. I am Mr. North. 

Kate. Speak a little louder, can't you! (she 
picks up ear trumpet and holds it to her ear) My 
hearing ain't as good as it used to be. 

Amos, (louder) I am Mr. North. 

Kate. I can't hear a word you say. 

Amos, (mad, and very loud) I am Mr. North! 

Kate. Oh — you have got a cough. 

Amos, (furious) Damn it, no — I am Mr. North 
— Amos North — Amos North ! 

Kate. I don't want to buy anything at all. 

Amos, (takes out card case) Here! Eead it. 

Kate, (looks at card) Oh, yes — who did you 
want to see? 

Amos. Kate — 

Kate. A little louder, please, (she raises her 
trumpet) 

Amos. Kate ! Kate ! 

Kate. I heard you ! You said it was late? Well 
why don't you go home? 

Amos. I won't leave this house until I see her — 
(lie bends over Kate and takes a deep breath and 
yells) Please ask Miss Kate if I can see her. It is 
important. 

KATE. I didn't catch his full name. 

Amos. I'll do that old lady harm if slie ain't 
careful, (he returns to Kate and yells) K-A-T-E 



28 CUPID AT VASSAR. 

— K-A-T-E — (he spells it out) You — (h* points to 
her) go — (he points to door) tell her that I — (he 
points to himself) want her. 

Kate. Why didn't you say so before? (she 
rises) What do you want of her? 

Amos. It would take a month to tell you — will 
you go and get her? 

Kate. Just a little louder. (with her ear 
trumpet) 

Amos. Darn it, I'll go myself — (as he crosses to 
r., Wanda enters) Wanda! where's Kate? 

Wanda. *Here somewhere — (she sees Kate) 
Who is it ? 

Amos. Don't blame her on me — 

Wanda, (crosses to her) What do you want? 

Kate, (raises trumpet) I can't hear a word 
you say! 

Wanda. Who are you? 

Kate. I must be going! 

(Starts toward door. Mrs. C. enters in door.) 

Mrs. C. What's all this? 
Kate. Oh! (afraid) 

Mrs. C. (looks at her) Kate Xewton, ain't you 
ashamed. 

Kate. Mother! Oh, Lord! 

(She dodges past Wanda and out door at r., all look- 
ing after her surprised. Alios runs after Kate 
and she exits at door r. 2, slams door in his face. 
He pounds on door — Wanda l., angry — Mrs. 
. C, c, laughing.) 

CURTAIN. 

(2d CURTAIN, Kate at window looking into room 
laughing. Amos turns, sees her and runs up 
c, jumps through icindoiv — Kate enters door 
L. a, into room, holds the door, Amos pounding 
outside, Mrs. C. cross to r., as Amos goes 
through window, Wanda sitting on sofa angry.) 



CUPID AT VASSAR. 29 

ACT II. 

TWO SISTERS AT VASSAR. 

Scene: — At Vassar. Sitting room in a "Senior 
Double " shared by Kate and Sally Web*j. 
Typical girls' college room. Door c. at back. 
Door r. to inside room. Windows r. and L. at 
back, showing backing to represent campus. 
Door at c. backed ivith hall backing. Gibson 
girls, etc., framed on wall. Vassar flags, a 
Harvard flag, Princeton, Yale, and other male 
pennants, etc.; chafing dish on table in which 
Matty is making "fudge." Kate, Matty, 
Wanda, Alice, Patty, Helen, Sally all dis- 
covered grouped about in pretty summer dresses. 
Some on couch which is piled high with college 
pillows. Some on big window seat and Matty 
at table; girls have banjoes and play before 
curtain goes up, then start song, as curtain rises. 
For rise of curtain all girls sing College Glees. 

COTLECxE OLEE. 

Here's to Vassar College, drink it clown, 
Here's to Vassar Co'lege, drink' it (]o\v ; .k 
Here's to Vassar College, it's our fo.mtain head of 

knowledge, 
Drink it down, drink it down, diirik it down. 
Onr morning dawneth on the Hills 
A. grent and glorious day. 
We take our colors from the East, 
The rose find silver grey (curtain) 
The twilight with its dimming stars 
Transfigured by his ray 
Brightens before the morning sun 
The rose and silver grey. 



30 CUPID AT VASSAR. 

Polly, (after song) Not a bit like it. I am 
ashamed of you, Matty Hart ! What was the matter 
with you on that high note? 

Matty. Just at that time I had to taste the 
fudge. 

Polly. Is this a fudge party or a Glee Club re- 
hearsal ? 

All. Fudge party. 

Polly. I tell you if you don't get up in your 
songs before to-morrow night you will bring disgrace 
down upon your college. 

Helen, (a freshman, the smallest and youngest 
of the girls) Will it hurt, (all hut Polly laugh) 

Polly. Freshmen are requested not to speak 
until they are spoken to. 

Helen. If I can't speak, I won't sing, so there! 

Wanda. I'm a Freshman, too — and I guess we've 
got some rights. 

(All girls talk and quarrel at once.) 

Kate, (enter r. c.) "Let dogs delight to bark 
and bite" go ahead, girls, (girls sing at the end) 

Polly. Better — but there is a lot of room for 
improvement. 

Matty. Who's got any room for fudge? 

Helen. Is it done? 

Matty. All done — 

(All crowd about laughing and talking and scramble 
for the fudge. Kate gets the chafing dish and 
holds it high above her head — all jump for it 
and laugh — there is a loud knock on door. 
Laughter partly stops. Another knock.) 

All. Hush ! (a third knock) 
Kate. Who is it? (all stand in picture) 
Miss Page, (outside) Young ladies! 
Wanda. The dragon ! 

Kate. Is that you, dear Miss Page ? Come right 
in. 



CUPID AT VASSAR. 31 

Miss P. The door is locked. 
(Helen laughs, Polly throws a pillow at Iter.) 
Kate. Hush! (then to girls) Quick! (site 
puts chafing dish on seat of chair and throws a thin 
pillow over it. Girls each pick up a booh — Kate 
opens door and as Miss Page enters, very severe in 
manner, all the girls are reading very hard. Kate 
ushers her in) Do come in! You must excuse my 
locking the door, but we work so much better when 
we are sure that no one can interrupt us. 

(Helen giggles and Kate pulls her hair.) 

Helen. Oh ! 

Miss P. (turns to see her) What is that! 

Helen. I — I was thinking about something. 

Miss P. This is the first time that I have ever 
known that to occur. 

Kate. Ahem — 

Miss P. Miss Newton, the noise that you were 
making was dreadful — really dreadful. From you, a 
Senior, I had expected better things. Sit down — I 
must talk to you. (she sits in chair on cushion 
under which is the hot chafing dish of fudge) 

Kate, (screams) Oh! 

Sally, (to her) What is it? 

Kate, (aside) She's sitting on the hot fudge! 

Miss P. It is not proper for any single set of 
young ladies to — to — really, Miss Newton, your room 
is too warm. 

Kate. The — the windows are open. 

Miss P. I am quite uncomfortable. 

Kate. I should think you would be. 

Miss P. I beg your pardon. 

Kate. If you are hot, of course you are un- 
comfortable. 

Miss P. I said warm — hot is a word I dislike. 
Although I am not a teacher it is my duty to you 
young ladies to set you a good example. I — I — 
really it is very warm. 



32 CUPID AT VASSAR. 

Helen, (to Kate) Kate! She's sitting on the 
fudge. 

Kate. Hush up — (Helen begins to laugh) 

Miss P. I see nothing at which to laugh. 

Helen. You — you can't see it, but it is there 
just the same, (site laughs wildly) 

Miss P. Miss Conway ! Miss Conway ! 

Helen. I — I can't help it. (she Irughs) 

Miss P. If I were you I would stand upon my 
dignity. 

Helen. If — if I were you I'd stand upon most 
anything, (laughs) 

(Miss Page jumps up.) 

Miss P. I find it very difficult to keep cpol ! 
(they yell again) Stop! stop! Ladies it will be a 
long time before I can sit down with you again in 
comfort. 

(Girls sink to floor, chairs, etc., laughing, Miss Page 
exits in a fury. Kate runs to chair and pulls 
up cushion showing great burned place on it.) 

Kate. Oh, dear — oh, dear — I am so sorry. 

Wanda. You had better be — the Dragon will 
make trouble about this. 

Kate. We shouldn't have laughed. 

Helen. We — we shouldn't have — b — b — but we 
did. (all laugh again) 

Polly. What do you care — she will get over it. 

Kate. It is easy enough for you to talk — she 
isn't the Matron of your house. 

Helen. Or of mine either. 

Kate. And the worst of it is she has spoiled the 
fudge. 

Helen. Come over to my room and we will make 
some more. 

Kate. Not I — I am receiving to-day and Miss 
Page was to be my chaperone. I have got to make 
peace with her some way. 



CUPID AT VASSAR. 33 

Sally. The rest of you girls run along — Kate 
and I have got to fix this room up. 

Alice. Who is coming, Kate? 

Kate. You for one — all of you — and some 
friends from home. 

Helen. Men? 

Kate. Yes — 

Helen. May I come? 

Kate. You are too young. 

Helen. Bosh — I am not afraid of any man on 
earth — if I am a Freshman. 

Kate. Come then — all of you — only do give me 
a chance to straighten things out. 

Alice. Come on girls — let' s go over and practice 
a li-tle basket ball. 

Polly. I really ought to study! 

Helen. Polly is not quite herself lately, girls — 
don't mind a thing she says. 

Polly. I'll never pass my " Semester " if I don't 
dig from now on, you'll have no chance, Helen, if 
you don't hustle. 

Helen. The very last thing mother made me 
promise was that I wouldn't study too hard. 

Kate. Girls, clear out and give me a chance to 
fix this room, (exit all but Sally and Kate) 

Kate. Dear me — how they do clutter a room up. 
(they go about arranging things) It is good of you, 
Sally, to help me. 

Sally, (picks up sofa pillow) Nonsense. This 
pillow is torn, Kate. 

Kate. And the other one burned — too bad — it 
looks nice though, doesn't it. (she looks about room) 

Sally. It needs flowers — I think I would have 
time to pick some. 

Kate. I wish you would, while I go and try to 
get Miss Page to forgive me. I've got to have a 
chaperonc. 

Sally. How many men an 4 coming,? 

Kati:. Sally — this is going to be the most awful 



34 CUPID AT VASSAR. 

affair ever seen in the shadow of Vassar college. 
The guest of honor is a gentleman from Great Falls, 
my home. 

Sally. Is he nice? 

Kate. Nice ! Hardly— to tell the truth, he is 
the most dreadful person on earth. 

Sally. Then why do you have him here? 

K,ate. It is only proper you know — as I am going 
to marry him. 

Sally. Kate! you! engaged! 

Kate. I expect to be before the day is over. 

Sally. Do you love this man? 

Kate. Don't be silly. 

Sally. Do you? 

Kate. Wait until you see him, then you won't 
have to ask me that. 

Sally. You ! You to marry a man you do not 
love! Haven't you any sense? 

Kate. No — but he has — so many cents that i 
shall always be sure of my daily bread — and my 
monthly gown — if I want it. 

Sally. Kate! You wouldn't marry a man — for 
money. 

Kate. Why not? If I must marry at all — and 
mother says I must; I had rather marry for money 
than for love. Oh, I know what I am talking about. 
If I give myself to a man forever I want something 
in return. Money may not last always — but love- 
love doesn't last a day. 

Sally. What is his name? 

Kate. Amos North. 

Sally. Not his. The other man's. 

Kate. Sally ! 

Sally. The man you really love. 

Kate. I don't love any man — I don't — and I 
never will — I — I — (she breaks doirn) Oh, he was 
so kind and good and — and — I wish I were dead, 
Sally. He broke my heart and went away — and I 



CUPID AT VASSAR. 35 

shall never see him any more, (she puts her head 
on the table and cries. Sally tries to comfort her) 

Sally. Never mind, dear. I am sure it will all 
come out right in the end. 

Kate. It's the end now. It can't come out right. 
At first I thought there was a chance of its all being 
a mistake and that he would write and explain it, 
but weeks went on and I never heard a word. Then 
— when I couldn't stand it any longer, I asked 
Wanda to send him a message — he is in New York 
— asking him. to call and he never even answered 
her. 

Sally. And are yon going to marry this Mr. 
North out of wounded pride? 

Kate. I am going to show John Willett that I 
don't care a snap of my finger for him. 

Sally. Is that fair to Mr. North — do you think 
you can make him happy? 

Kate. Happy! You read the papers carefully 
for the next year and you'll read of a man who 
jumps in the river to end his troubles. Happy ! 
Sally — he's the meanest man I ever saw. His father 
gave him ten cents when he was four years old — and 
he's wearing it on his watch chain now. The only 
way he ever lets go of money is when he squeezes a 
silver dollar so tight the Eagle bites his fingers. 

Sally. Kate ! He'll never give you a cent. 

Kate. Won't he. I'll train him in six weeks so 
that he will have a bank messenger following him 
around on a bicycle. 

Sally. I am perfectly sure of one thing, Kate 
Newton, and that is that you will never marry him 
at ail. 

Kate. Won't I. I am going to say yes to him 
to-day — and I am going to announce it to every- 
body — and put it in all the papers — and mark a 
paper — and send it to John Willett — then — then he 
will know that I never cared for him — and when T 
am married I'll make Amos buy me a six-cylinder 



36 CUPID AT VASSAR. 

automobile and I'll ride up and down i i front of his 
house with a different Paris dress every day — and 
my fingers lumpy with diamonds — and if he comes 
to the window I'll laugh at him — and laugh — and 
throw dollar bills to newsboys — then 1 guess he won't 
dare to pity me. 

(She exits, wildly shutting the door after her with 
a bang.) 

Sally. Poor Kate! Will she be mad enough to 
marry this man — just to spite the other. It's time 
enough when a girl leaves college for love and men 
and other horrid things like that. 

(She goes to mirror and pins on her hat as Wanda 
enters.) 

Wanda. Excuse me — I 

Sally. Your sister is out. She went to beg 
Miss Page's pardon. 

Wanda. I — I will wait for her if I may. 

Sally. All right. I am going out to get some 
flowers — don't make a mess, please — everything is 
ready for Kate's tea. 

(She exits.) 

Wanda. The girl is coming upstairs with the 
letters now — and I saw one for Kate in her hand. 
Mother w T rote yesterday — it must be another from 
him. I am so afraid ! I would die if she ever knew 
that I had torn up throe already. (a letter is 
dropped through letter slot in door and falls to the 
floor. She runs and picks it up and looks at it) It 
is from him! It is ! and if she reads it she would 
telegraph for him to come to her- — and if she doesn't 
read it she will promise to marry Amos ^N"orth to- 
day — J — I don't care — I loved him long before she 
ever saw him. 

(She tears letter up and throws it in basket as Kate 
enters.) 



CUPID AT VASSAR. 3? 

Kate. It is all right, Miss Page has forgiven us 
—she will come up presently. 

Wanda. That's good. 

Kate. What makes you so quiet, Wanda ? Home- 
sick? 

Wanda. Yes ! I am ! I hate it here — and I hate 
everybody — 1 — I wish 1 had never come to the stupid 
place — a girl hasn't got any business in college, any- 
way. 

Kate. I think that depends very much on the 
girl. It ought to be, a help — and make you wiser 
and better. 

Wanda. It hasn't made me any better. 

Kate. No, I don't think it has — but you haven't 
given it very much of a chance — work a little more, 
Wanda — and mope a little less and you will be 
happier — and so will the rest of us. 

Wanda. Oh, yes — you are one of the Honor girls, 
and a Senior — so it's your duty to lecture a poor 
Freshman like me — but I tell you I hate to study — 
and I never did anything in my life that I didn't 
like to do. 

(There is a knock at door.) 

Kate. Come in. 

(Door opens and Shiny enters all dressed up as a 
waiter, very swell.) 

Shiny. Hit am only me, Miss Kate. 

Kate. Con e in, Shiny i My, how swell you arc. 

SurxY. (very proud) 0!i — no — no — jess noth- 
ing to speak about, 

Wanda. What are you doing here? 

Kati-:. I asked him to help wait on the girK 

Wanda. It's perfectly absurd ! The way you 
Spoil Hint nigger. First you get him work here al 
Vassar — then you must have him here to wait on 
your guests. It's ten to one he drops a spoon down 
someone's back. 



38 CUPID AT VASSAR. 

Shiny, (proudly) In de best society, sich as ar 
hopes to mingle wid here — ice-cream am et wid a 
fork, an' spoons am considered a sign ob ignorance. 

Wanda. Well, don't buy whiskey and put it in 
the lemonade, the way you did the last time Kate 
had you here. 

Shiny. I only done, Miss Wanda, jess like I'd 
want to be done by. 

Kate. Well, it's a good thing for all of us I 
found out about that lemonade before the girls 
drank any of it. The spread is in here, (she opens 
door r.) Just see if everything is all right. 

Shiny. All right, Miss Kate — don't you worry 
at all-— just you all leabe de caUering to me. 

Kate. Catering, Shiny. 

Shiny. Yes, Miss — CaUering. 

Sally. Here are your flowers — and lemons. 

Kate. I bought lemons, (exit Shiny) 

Sally. All right, (she puts them on table in 
paper bag and puts the flowers in vase) 

Kate. Hurry, Wanda— if you are going to 
change your dress. 

Wanda. All right — but the whole thing bores me. 

(She exits at back.) 

Sally. Something is wrong with that girl. 

Kate. I know — I can't do anything with her — 
and I know mother will feel dreadfully if she fails to 
pass her examinations — by the way, Sally — mother 
wants me to ask you and some of the others down to 
Great Falls to spend the Christmas vacation. 

Sally. That's jolly. HI come if father will let 
me. (she looks at clock) Goodness — and I have 
got to change my dress, (she opens door R. and sees 
Shiny) Here you! come out of my room. 

Shiny, (enters) I was a fixing de refresh- 
ments. 

Sally. The refreshments will have to wait until 
I get dressed — hustle out of the way. 



CUPID AT VASSAR. 39 

(She goes out and shuts door.) 

Shiny. Dey don't seem to be no style about dis 
party — de serving table ain't nothing but a trunk 
and de ice-cream am four degrees warmer dan de 
coffee. 

Kate. Things are pretty bad — but you know I 
haven't much money and I had to do everything 
myself. 

Shiny. Did you make dat green ice-cream? 

Kate. No — I bought it — why — anything wrong 
with the taste of it ? 

Shiny. It might a been all right before it melted, 
Miss — but hit puts a person in mind now ob tooth- 
powder an' soap. 

Kate. Oh, it is all right, the girls eat anything 
and the men don't care — go out in the hall, Shiny, 
and announce the people as they come in. We will 
make a bluff anyway if we can't do anything else. 

Shiny. Dat's right — first depressions cover a 
multitude ob skinns. 

(He exits to hall.) 

Kate. In a moment Amos North will be here. 
Mother's letters beg me to say yes to him — and after 
all what does it matter She writes that John Wil- 
lett is almost never in Great Falls now — that he is 
growing rich and famous in New York. Oh, dear! 
Oh, dear! it is awful to grow up to be a woman — 
just a few more months before graduation, and after 
that — Amos North — Oh, Lord ! 

(Shiny enters.) 

Shiny, (very loud) Mister A — mouse North! 

Kate. Oh, dear! 

Shiny. Don't laff — he's coming. 
(lie hows low as Amos enters. Amos is dressed as 
follows — hlark frock coat, hriijlil (rouscrs, white 
spats, loud vest, white tie and a vert/ high collar. 

. Tie holds a silk hat in his hand and is very stiff 



40 CUPID AT VASSAR. 

and uncomfortable in his clothes, but not too 
low comedy.) 

Kate, {offers hand) Why, Mr. North — I'm so 
glad to see you — and you are looking so well. 

Amos. I guess I look a darned sight better than 
I feel, (she turns away to hide a smile) I had 
white gloves too — but I broke 'em. 

Kate. Too bad — how was mother when you saw 
her last? 

Amos. She came to the bank yesterday and I ha! 
a long talk with her. She was well — but worried. 

Kate. Worried ? 

Amos, iibout money — but I told her I'd fix that 
all right. She was mighty anxious for me to come 
and see you — so I got these clothes and came along. 

Kate. I am sure that was very good of you. 

Amos. Oh, the money ain't wasted, I can use 'em 
for the wedding. 

Kate. Oh — (goes away afraid) 

Amos. You know there is going to be a wedding, 
don't you? 

Kate. I — I haven't been reading the papers 
lately. 

Amos. It's you and I, Kate, and you know it. 
(as he goes toward her Shiny enters) 

Shiny. Miss Hart. (Matty on and Kate in- 
troduces her to Amos aside) Miss Worth — Miss 
Snow — Miss Manley — (Alice, Patty and Helen 
enter. Shiny pushes Helen bach) Get back an' 
give me a chance — Miss Conway — (Helen enters 
again) 

Kate. Mr. North — Miss Conway — (Helen looks 
at him and laughs) 

Amos. I — I beg your pardon ! 

Helen. Excuse me — I — (she laughs) 

Amos. I don't see anything funny. 

Helen. Look ! (she points to mirror over desk. 
He turns and sees himself, Helen laughs and runs 
up to window — Alice shakes her) 



CUPID AT VASSAR. 41 

Amos. The young ladies are having lots of fun. 

Kate. Oh, yes — Miss Conway always finds some- 
thing to laugh at in the most awful things. 

Amos. What ! 

Kate. I beg your pardon. 

Shiny. Miss Snow — (bus.) 

Kate. Miss Snow — Mr. North — 

Snow. I am s-s-s-so p-p-p-pleased. (bus.) 

Shiny. Miss Elsworth — Miss Anderson, etc. 
(at door) Miss Page. 

(Miss Page enters.) 

Miss P. I am so sorry to be late. 

Kate. Not at all, Miss Page — may I introduce 
you to Mr. Amos North — from my home. 

Amos. Glad to know you. 

Sally, (enters r.) I knew I would be late. 

Helen. How is the lunch ? 

Sally. All ready. (Shiny exits at back) 

Kate, (to Amos) I want you to know my 
room-mate and my dearest friend, Miss Webb. 

Amos, (to Sally) You can be bridesmaid. 

Kate. Ahem ! Will you pour the tea — in Sally's 
room? 

Miss P. Delighted. 

Sally. I'll help — come on, girls. 

Kate. Come, Amos. 

(All exit, Kate follows, Amos stays at c.) 

Amos. Hold on, Kate. (she stops) I didn't 
come all the way up here to drink tea — I came to 
see you. 

Kate. Y-e-s — 

Amos. Your mother said feat you were willing 
to marry me. 

Kate. I— I— 

Amos. You know Fve got a half interest in the 
business now. 

Katk. Yes. 1 know. 



42 CUPID AT VASSAR. 

Amos. My. wife ought to be a very happy woman. 

Kate. Amos, your wife inside of six months 
would probably die laughing. 

Amos. You played a mean trick on me the day 
before you left home — to keep me from proposing 
to you — your mother says it's only because you were 
bashful. We won't say any more about it — all I ask 
is your word — that you will be my wife. 

Kate. All — that is a great deal to ask — it is 
everything, Amos — all that a girl has got to give. 

Amos. That's all right. Nobody expects a girl to 
give much — just love and obedience and little things 
like that. I'll do the giving. I have always wanted 
you, Kate! Will you marry me? 

Kate. Do you want me for your wife, Amos — 
without my love — for I do not love you. 

Amos. I want you for my wife — you'll love me 
all right. I ain't afraid of that. 

Kate. You are willing to take the risk? 

Amos. Yes, I am willing. 

Kate. If you do not expect too much of me. 

Amos. I want you for my wife. Is it yes or no? 

Kate. I — I must — your answer is 

Shiny, (at door) Mister John Willett. 

(John enters in quiet clothes. Kate surprised and 
shocked — Amos angry.) 

Kate. Mr. Willett— John ! You— I — I — really 
I hardly thought 

John. Surely you got my letter telling you of 
my intended visit? 

Kate. I got no letter — I — I am very much sur- 
prised. Tn fact I — I — am very much surprised — in 
fact I — I — {she groivs faint and staaners forward) 

John. Miss Newton. (he catches her in his 
arms) 

Kate. Don't! Don't touch me! (draws hack) 
(Sally enters r.) 

Sally. Kate! What is it! (she goes to her) 



CUPID AT VASSAR. 43 

Kate, Nothing — I — I — this — this is Mr. John 

Willett, Miss Webb. 

Sally. The other one. (shows surprise) 

Amos. Kate, you are faint, (to Kate) 

Sally. Faint — is she faint? 

Amos. Yes. 

Sally. She needs water, Mr. North — water — 
and you must help me get it. 

(She takes him by the arm and half drags and half 
guides him to door.) 

Amos. But I 

Sally. We haven't a moment to lose. 
(She pushes him out door r. Winks at Kate and 
exits, shutting door.) 

John, (goes to Kate) You did not expect me? 

Kate. Expect you ! No ! 

John. Kate ! why did you leave me like that, 
without a word — why in all these weeks have you 
never written to me? 

Kate. Written! Me! Write to you! Do you 
think I have no pride at all? 

John. I think you have no heart at all. What 
have I done that I should be denied even common 
courtesy ? 

(Door at bach opens and Wanda enters.) 

Kate. What have you done — you have 

Wanda, (steps forward) Oh, how do you do, 

Mr. Willett. This is quite a surprise. I suppose 

you rode out in your automobile. 

John. I rode out with a party of friends. 
Wanda. Yes, and one of the friends is in the 

car — right under our windows. She seems to be 

rather impatient. 

John. Miss Nathan — her father lias been most 

kind to me — he is somewhere about the grounds now. 

If you don't mind I will speak to her. 

Wanda. Mind! We would not keep you from 

such a beautiful young lady for the world. 



44 CUPID AT VASSAR. 

Kate. What ! (she runs to window and looks 
out) Ah — I never cared for blonds. (she goes 
down, John goes up to window) 

John. Excuse me. (to Kate, then he turns to 
window and calls out) All right — thanks for the 
ride — I will go back by train. 

Kate, (to Wanda) Wlio is that girl out there? 

Wanda. The girl I saw him with before — his 
sweetheart. He only brought her here to laugh at 
you. 

Kate. Laugh at me ! I think not ! It is I who 
will laugh at him. 

(Girl outside — " We shall expect you.") 

John, (at window) Very well — to-morrow — 
(auto heard to start — he turns back to Kate) 
There — now I can tell you what I came to tell. 

Kate. One moment, Mr. Willett. Before you 
tell me anything, please listen to what I have to tell 
you — (she goes and throws door r. open) Girls! 
Amos — girls — come here — 

(All enter.) 

Helen. What is it? 

Sally. What's up? 

Kate. Now that we are all together I want to 
tell you the reason why I invited you all here to-day. 
It was for the purpose of announcing my engage- 
ment to Mr. Amos North. 

Girls. Oh! Oh! (etc.) 

John. What ! What ! 

Kate. I am to be Mr. North's wife. 

John. His wife! 

Kate. His wife! 

John. You have my sympathy. 

(He exits in a rage, all turn and look after him.) 

Amos. Now I wonder what he meant by that ! 
(Helen laughs out loud, the others turn away, 



CUPID AT VASSAR. 45 

Shiny enters with tray of lemonade glasses and 
puts it on table and picks up bag of lemons.) 

Kate. Stop! Don't laugh. I am in earnest, 
Amos — (she holds out her hand) I will be your 
wife. 

Amos, (takes her hand) My dear girl, I knew 
you would, (he puts his arm about her and tries to 
kiss her) 

Kate, (dashes him away in fury) Don't! How 
dare you ! How dare you ! 

Amos. I was only going to kiss you. 

Kate. Kiss me! You! Kiss me! 

Amos. You are going to be my wife. 

Kate. And just because I am going to marry 
you, do you suppose that I am going to let you kiss 
me! 

Amos. Darn it, yes ! Of course you are. 

Kate. I — I never thought of that! 

Amos. We're engaged you know — (starts again 
to kiss her) 

Kate. Keep away ! If you touch me I'll do 
something I'll be sorry for afterwards. 

Amos, (advances) Now, Kate! 

Kate. And you'll be twice as sorry as I am. 

Amos, (angry) What do you mean? 

Kate. I mean I'd rather die than let you kiss 
me — I take back my promise — I won't marry you. 
I won't marry anybody — I'll be an old maid 

(Kate on table c. All girls form circle.) 

All. Yah — hurrah — rah — rah* — rah — V-A-S- 
S-A-R— TIGEE ! 

CURTAIN. 

(2d Curtain — Amos turns angrily and grabs his 
hat. Shiny in his excitement has emptied the 
bag of lemons into it, as if unconsciously. 
Amos puts his hat on and a dozen lemons fall 



4g CUPID AT VASSAR. 

on his head. He runs out very angry. Girls 
throw lemons at him. Rah — Tiger — V-A-S- 
S-A-R Vassar — rah— rah — rah! And all girls 
exit after Amos on 2d curtain.) 

(3d Curtain — Kate on table alone.) 

CURTAIN. 



ACT III. 

Scene: — Same set as Act I. Interior of country 
farm house. The backing is now changed to 
represent snow. Fire is burning in fireplace. 
A large Christmas tree at l. c.- with colored 
lights, packages, dolls, comedy jumping jacks, 
etc., etc. Piano at r v above fireplace. Two 
lamps — one on piano and one on desk back L., 
above door. Night scene — snow falling back of 
windows. Calcium with green medium back of 
door. 

Discovered: — Kate at piano playing some well- 
known song. All sing. Helen and Patty 
seated on floor by fireplace popping corn at the 
gas log of fireplace. Mrs. Carroll knitting in 
rocking chair under lamp. Alice and Matty 
seated on sofa below tree at l., stringing popcorn 
on threads. Sally on floor i,., of a, cracking 
nuts and Wanda at back turning away from all 
the others and looking out at the snowstorm. 
Kate plays and girls sing if desired. At end of 
selected specialty door at back opens and Hank 
enters with an armful of flre-ivood and himself 
covered with snow. As he opens the door some 
paper snow is blown in. 

Hank. Say — it's cold out. 

Kate. You don't say so. 



CUPID AT VASSAR. 4? 

Hank. Coldest day since 1708. 

Sally. 1708. How do you know? 

Hank. I don't know — but it's durned likely. 

(He is about to throw- the wood down as Shiny 
enters from door r.) 

Mrs. C. Hank — you're getting everything all 
snow. 

Shtny. Some folks nebber did habe no sense no 
how. Here ! let me clean dot congealed moisture off 
you. (picks up broom and sweeps snow away) 

Hank. That's what? 

Shiny. Congealed moisture. 

Hank. You durned fool! That's snow, (girls 
laugh ) 

Shiny. Excuse his ignorance, ladies — he means 
well — but lord a mercy — what can you expect? He 
suffers from a lapse of educational advantages. 

Hank. Say, Shiny — the airs you put on give me 
the horrors — what do you know about education? 

Shiny. Me ! Me ! I want you to understand 
dot I habe been way through Vassar College. Not 
once, but ebbery day for four months. 

Hank. As janitor, (sniffs) 

Shiny. Yas — as janitor — and dey wasn't a hour 
I didn't sweep out mo' ideas wid mah broom dan 
yo' and yo' entire family could assimulate in a 
Geological aeon. 

Hank. What's a aeon? Anything like an 
onion ? 

Shiny. No, hit ain't, it ain't nothing like a 
onion. 

Hank. Well, what is it? 

Shiny. It's — it's — h'it's — a — a — 

Hklen. Go on! 

Hank. You don't know! 

Shiny. Ar does know. A aeon is — is a word 
used by educated persons to — to represent something 
dat don't mean nothing. For example — If if ar should 



48 CUPID AT VASSAR. 

say — a — a aeon is coming here to breakfast to- 
morrow morning h'it wouldn't mean dat anybody 
special was coming. No — no — it am used simply as 
a fig of speech to show de difference between what 
am and what would be if it -wasn't. 

(He exits proudly.) 

Hank. I don't believe in teaching niggers as 
miuch as he knows. First thing you see they will be 
bossing the country, (he puts wood down by fire- 
place) 

Mrs. C. I wouldn't talk so much if I were you, 
Hank. 

Hank. No marm — only it's Christmas Eve. 

Kate. Yes; it is Christmas Eve — and everyone 
must have a good time. 

Hank. It's a great time to think about other 
folks. 

Sally. Yes, it is. 

Hank. Nobody ought to be selfish on Christmas 
Eve — excuse me — (he draws a hammer and nail and 
an enormous sock from his pocket) To-morrow's 
Christmas. 

(He nails the big sock to mantlepiece so that it 
hangs ready for gifts and exits. Girls laugh. 
Shiny enters ivith coat and hat.) 

Shiny. De sleigh am ready, ladies, h'if you-all 
done want to take a ride. 

Wanda. On a night like this! It's too stormy. 

Sally. Snow won't melt us — shall we go, girls? 

All. Yes — yes. 

Mrs. C. Yes — go children — the cold air will do 
you good. 

Kate. Come on. (she starts) 

Mrs. C. No, Kate — Wanda will go — I — I must 
ask your friends to excuse you 

Wanda. But I do not care to go! 

Mrs. C. You must, my dear — I have business to 
discuss with Eate. 



CUPID AT VASSAR. 49 

Sally. Come on, Wanda — it will be loads of fun. 

Shiny. You-all please come out de side door — 

cause de drifts am scandulous in front of de house. 

(He exits R.) 

Kate. Be sure to bundle up well, girls. 

Girls. Oh, yes — yes — warm as toast. Come on 
— hurry up — etc., etc. (they laugh and all but 
Kate and Mrs. C. exits. Laugh is heard outside) 

Shiny, (outside) Dis way. 

Sally. That's my coat. 

Helen. Hurry up — where's my hood! (loud 
laugh, etc.) 

Shiny. All aboard. 

(Sleigh bells and laughter dies away in the distance, 
and Vassar Girls yell in distance.) 

Mrs. C. Kate, Kate, my dear ! 

Kate. Well, mother? 

Mrs. C. (in chair) My dear — I — I — 

Kate. What is it, mother — I have noticed a 
change in you — ever since I got back home — are you 
hiding anything from me, mother dear? (she 
crosses and kneels by her mother s chair) 

Mrs. C. I — I wanted to keep it from you, Kate 
— but — but it is no use — I — I am afraid you can't 
go back to Vassar. 

Kate. Not go back ! Not finish my year ? Why, 
mother ! 

Mrs. C. I — I haven't any money, dear. It is all 
gone. 

Kate. How can it be gone? 

Mrs. C. You know how small a sum I had in 
my own name — you girls needed so much — and your 
schooling was so expensive. 

Kate. You had ten thousand dollars in the Fall? 

Mrs. C. I — I gave it all to Amos North — to in- 
vest for me — ■ 

Kate. And he lost it? 

Mrs. C. He — he — said he had a tip. 



50 CUPID AT VASSAR. 

Kate. Yes. I have heard about those tips. 
What was it you bought? A gold mine or a flying 
machine ? 

Mrs. C. It was a thousand shares of Brewers' 
Certificates. 

Kate. And we none of us drink beer! 

Mrs. C. Good Lord ! I wasn't going to drink it. 
I bought it because he said it was going to rise. 

Kate. There wasn't yeast enough in that beer! 

Mrs. C. If s nothing to laugh at. Amos North 
sent me word to-day he must have five thousand dol- 
lars more or he'd sell me out. 

Kate. Five thousand dollars more? But why? 

Mrs. C. I don't know. The stocks weren't made 
right. They didn't leave a wide enough margin. 

Kate. Wanda has money of her own — from her 
father — couldn't you borrow it of her? 

Mrs. C. I — I asked her — and — and (she cov- 
ers her face and weeps) 

Kate. She wouldn't lend it to you ! (Mrs. C. 
nods her head) How could she refuse ! How could 
she! 

Mrs. C. She — she takes after her father. 

Kate. Takes after him ! She couldn't. There 
wasn't anything to take after he got through. 

Mrs. C. I've got the house left — that's all — no 
money in the bank — and not a dollar for you, my 
little girl. 

Kate. You must not think of me — it is you — 
you will have to sell the house. 

Mrs. C. Your — your father died here — he loved 
it. 

Kate. I know, but it can't be helped — unless I 
can get a good place at once — I'll try to get a school 
to teach. But — but it will hurt my chances not 
staying to graduate. 

Mrs. C. My poor little girl, (slip weeps) 

Kate. Don't, mother — you have given me a 
man's education and now I am ffoing" to work for 



CUPID AT VASSAR. 51 

you like a man. (she puts her arms around her as 
there is a knock at the door) 

Mrs. C. Who's that? 

Kate. I don't know. 

Mrs. C. I wrote Judge Hexter all about it — he 
was your father's lawyer — perhaps he sent some one 
to help us. 

(Knock comes again.) 

Kate. He couldn't come himself. His gout is 
too bad — I'll go. 

(She crosses and opens door and Amos North 
enters. Snow Hows in, etc.) 

Amos. Good evening. Windy, ain't it? 

Kate. Yes — it seems to blow all sorts of things 
into the house. 

Amos. That's supposed to be funny? 

Kate. It is quite as funny as what you have 
done. 

Amos. What's that? 

Kate. Robbed my mother of ten thousand dol- 
lars. 

Amos. I'm a broker— it's my business to buy 
and sell. Your mother put her money in 

Kate. And you took it out. 

Mrs. C. It was my own fault, Kate! Don't 
mind what she says, Amos. 

Amos. Oh, that's all right, (he takes his coat 
off and kicks the snow off his shoes) Women don't 
understand these things. Now I came over to-night 
to fix this up on a friendly footing. Can I take a 
chair. 

Kate. Why not ! You've taken everything else. 
(he sits) 

Amos. Now to save your stock, Mrs. Carroll, T 
must call on you for five thousand dollars to protect 
your margins. 

Mrs. C. Why don't they cut the margins off; 
I'm sure I don't want 'em ! 



52 C LIPID AT VASSAR. 

Amos. What did you think you were buying? 
A yard of printed calico? You've got to raise five 
thousand or you are wiped out. 

Mrs. C. I can't do it, and that's all there is 
about it ! 

Amos. It ain't my fault, but if you sell out now 
you won't have a cent. 

Kate. She has the house. 

Amos. But I've got a claim against that for three 
thousand dollars. 

Kate. What ! 

Amos. She gave me no orders to sell — and the 
stock went down — I can't help that — but it's gone. 

Mrs. C. (rises) And what am I to do — I'm 
too old to work! I have to live a burden on my 
daughters. 

Kate. Mother ! Not a burden ! You know that 
there is nothing I would not gladly do — to help you. 

Amos. Do you mean that, or is it only talk? 

Kate. I mean it. 

Amos. Then prove it ! Marry me and I'll carry 
that stock until it's back where it started from — I'll 
take the risk and give her a check right now. 

Kate. I— I— 

Amos. I won't ever say a word about the way 
you've treated me — and I won't ask you for a kiss 
until you are ready to give it to me. 

Kate. Mother ! what shall I do ? 

Mrs. C. Don't — don't ask me, Kate — 

Amos. You said there was nothing you would 
not do for her. 

Kate. I — I don't know what to say 

Amos. Say yes, or say no — once for all. If it's 
yes, your mother gets her money back. 

KJate. Mother ! Help me ! Shall I say yes ? 

Mrs. C. I am trying not to think of myself, 
Kate — but it's your college life — and everything. I 
think you must say yes. 



CUPID AT VASSAR. 53 

Kate. If I say yes to you this time, Amos, I 
shall not break my word. 

Amos. Then hurry up and say it. 

(Door opens and John enters. Snow blows in, etc.) 
John. I beg your pardon 

Amos, (angry) There never was nothing so 
much in the way as you. 

John. You will think so before I get through 
with you. (he turns to Mrs. C.) You will pardon 
me if I address myself to your daughter. Miss Car- 
roll, I need hardly tell you that this is not a social 
call. Your manner to me has taught me how un- 
welcome my visit must be to you. 

Amos. Then why in thunder don't you go ! 

Kate. For once Mr. North has expressed my 
thoughts — if you come here only to insult me it 
would be better for you to go. 

John. I am here to repay the many acts of kind} 
ness I owe your mother and I also come as a repre- 
sentative of Judge Hexter. 

Amos, (afraid) What does he want! 

John, (takes large envelope from pocket) He 
showed me your letter this morning — and together 
we have gone into the matter rather deeply. The 
Judge asks me to inform you, Mrs. Carroll, that you 
will have no trouble in recovering your money from 
Amos North and advises you to at once apply for a 
warrant for his arrest. 

Kate. Arrest ? 

John. The Brewers' Certificates are held in per- 
son by the Brewers' themselves — only five thousand 
shares are on the market. 

Amos. That's right. It was some of those shares 
I sold her. 

John. At considerable trouble I have traced 
every share of those five thousand. They are all 
accounted for. You never saw a share in all your 
life. You picked out a stock that \\a> dropping in 



54 CUPID AT VASSAR. 

the market — and trusted to her ignorance to let you 
rob her of her money. 

Amos. You will have to prove all that. 

John. The proof is here — all of it. (he holds 
up envelope) Your letters that she sent to the 
Judge — saying you had bought the stock — and others 
asking for more money. Also proof that you had 
no stock to self and that you never owned a share of 
it. 

Mrs. C. But — but I don't understand. 

John. You don't have to understand— just turn 
this (he passes her envelope) over to the Judge and 
he will explain it all to Amos. , 

(Amos falls on sofa.) 

Mrs. C. I — I don't know what to do. (she 
■crosses to desk and puts envelope in drawer) I'll 
lock it up safe to-night — and to-morrow I will see 
the Judge. 

(Amos watches her as she lochs the drawer and puts 
hey in pocket.) 

John. Then I have no more to say 

(Sleigh bells heard in distance.) 

Kate. I — I must thank you. 

John. I did not come here to win your thanks, 
Miss Carroll. 

Kate. Even if you hate me you have got to let 
me thank you! 

(Sleigh bells nearer.) 

Mrs. C. (at window) The girls are coming! 

John. Good-night, (starts for door) 

Kate. You must stay! 

John. Stay ! so that they may hear you laugh at 
me again ! No ! I had enough of that. 
(He exits quickly. Kate takes a step after him.) 

Kate. John, come back — it was all a mistake. 
Oh, he's gone — he's gone. 



CUPID AT VASSAR. 55 

Mrs. C. I always warned you Kate — you weiv 
flirting with that young man too much. 

Kate. Oh, no, no, mother dear, you're wrong. 

The trouble is I didn't flirt with him enough- 

(Kate and Mrs. C, EXIT d. r. leaving Amos alone 
on stage. lie looks after them — follows and 
looks out door and then turns and crosses 
swiftly to desk and tries to force open the drawer 
in which Mrs. C, put the envelope. Wanda 
comes to door and stands looking at him. He 
looks up and sees her and stands afraid.) 

Amos. There's something in this drawer, I've got 
to get it. 

Wanda. You must be crazy Amos North ! 

Amos. I played a trick on her — so as to force 
Kate to marry me — and it would have worked if it 
hadn't been for that John Willett. I never stole a 
dollar in my life — I never had to — I've always had a 
plenty — but she's got letters of mine here that will 
send me to jail if she shows them to the Judge. 

Wanda. Well, you shouldn't have tried to rob 
my mother. 

Amos. I didn't — and you know it — I would have 
given the money back — I was only trying to frighten 
Kate into marrying me. Wanda — I've got to get 
those letters — to-night. 

Wanda. Mother's got the key. 

Amos, (fiercely) Then I'll smash the damned 
thing open, (about to break desk with heavy iron 
from fireplace) 

Wanda, (catches his arm) If they hear you yon 
will be worse off than ever! 

Amos, (drops iron) You're right — Wanda, you 
have got to help me — I'll come back when they are all 
asleep — you leave that window unlocked. 

Wanda. Me — I won't do it. 

Amos. You've got to do it ! If you don't I'll 
tell Kate about your coming between Iut and John 
Willett. 



56 CUPID AT VASSAR. 

Wanda. I won't do it. 

Amos. I'll tell her about you stealing the letters 
he wrote to her — that's worse than what I did — rob- 
bing the United States Mails. 

Wanda. Mother locks up herself. 

Amos. You come back here — after she's gone — 
and unlock that window — all I want is my letters 
back again. I'll give her, her money — I only want 
to hush this thing up. (puts on coat). 

Wanda. I am afraid to do it. 

Amos. You'd better not be — or I'll give you 
something to be afraid about ! John Willett thought 
a lot of Kate — If I tell him about the letters you 
stole I guess you'll be pretty sick. 

(He crosses to door.) 

And I'll do it too — if that window ain't unlocked 
when I come back ! 

(He opens door and exits. Wind and snow bloivs 

in.) 

Wanda. Sometimes lately I almost think a girl 
is better off if she never does things she has to hide. 

(Mrs. C. enters, followed by girls. Kate alone does 
not enter.) 

Mrs. C. Kate is all right. She'll be herself in the 
morning if she has a good night's rest. 

Sally. I never knew her to faint before — but I 
don't think it is anything serious. 

Mrs. C. You girls had better go to bed. You'll 
want to be up early to see your presents. 

(She looks at Christmas tree.) 

Did anyone ever see such a sight. Presents enough 
for the whole town. 

Helen. Can't we look at them now? 

Mrs. C. Now! I should say not! That would 
spoil everything. Go to bed — every one of you. 



CUPID AT VASSAR. 57 

Helen. But I want my presents. 

Mrs. C. Are you a baby? 

Helen. Yes. (she laughs) 

Mrs. C. Then it's time you were in bed — go 
along — go along, (she chases them all out and looks 
after them) Good-night. 

Girls. Good night — Merry Christmas. 

. . (Wanda takes book and sits under lamp at r.) 

Mrs. C. Don't start to read this time of night. 
(she arranges the chairs and fixes the room in 
order) Did you hear me, Wanda? 

Wanda. I want to read. (Mrs. C. blows out the 
lamp at Wanda's side — lights half down) Mother ! 
Don't ! 

(She gets up and crosses to l v and sits under the 
other lamp. Mrs. C. locks windows and outside 
door.) 

Mrs. C. Wanda — go to bed. 

(She draws curtain down over window and crosses 
and blows Wanda's lamp. White lights .all 
out. Strong moonlight back of window shines 
through curtains. Red calcium through fire- 
place, all other lights out except white light 
thrown in from door at r., as if from lighted 
hall.) 

Wanda. Mother! (very cross) 
Mrs. C. You come to bed. 

(She exits. Wanda waits until she is out and then 
runs to window and raises curtain — effect of 
snoiv dashing against window. She puts her 
hand up and unlocks window. Mrs. C. calls 
as if from stairs.) 

Wanda ! 

Wanda. Yes, mother dear, I am coming. 



58 CUPID AT VASSAR. 

(She exits. Music — pause — Hank enters door r., 
in his shirt sleeves with candle in hand, very 
sleepy. Big boots in other hand. He dusts 
off table and carefully puts his dirty boots on 
it. Arranges the fire — puts ashes on it. Crosses 
and holds candle up and looks at tree — steals 
a piece of striped candy stick and eats it. Goes 
and looks at his stocking which is hanging from 
mantel, finds nothing in it. Shakes his head 
and pulls a lemon from tree and drops it in his 
stocking. Picks up boots — yawns — goes to sleep 
standing up — burns himself with candle — wakes 
up — yawns again and exits. Music lively- 
pause — girls all but Kate enter silently and go 
on tiptoe down to tree. Amos with mask over 
his face appears at window — girls with a smoth- 
ered scream exit.) 

(Amos enters window and goes to desk l. for letters. 
As he gets to desk Hank enters r. 2 with old 
musket. Pointing gun at Amos but ivith his 
head turned away and his knees shaking. Amos 
gets paper from desk — goes to fireplace and then 
turns to cross r. when he sees Hank. Amos 
knocks gun from Hank's hands and turns to 
run up c. as Shiny appears from, l. u. e. with 
horse pistol and candle — light up, and Shiny 
speaks.) 

Shiny. Throw up your hands. 
(Amos turns down stage with letter in his right hand 
still looking at Shiny. Kate, Mrs. Carroll 
and all girls enter.) 

Kate. What is it! 

Amos. Ah ! 

Kate. Who are you? 

Mrs. C. Who is it? 

Shiny. Look! (pulls off Amos- mask* leaving 
him seated on floor at c.) 

Gin' b. Me] rv Christmas, Amos ! 



CUPID AT VASSAR. 59 

(When lights go -up at Shiny's entrance — Kate 
takes paper from Amos' hand — he drops to his 
Jcnees as curtain (quick) drops.) 

(2d Curtain.) 

Kate. Merry Christmas, Amos ! 
(All girls and Hank and Shiny laughing and 
pointing at Amos.) 

curtain. 



ACT IV. 



Scene: — Campus at Vassar. Basket ball field with 
view of the buildings on back drop. Large set 
tree well down at r. Upright poles of basket 
ball goal at r. with suspended basket. At rise, 
cheers and yells out l. Two back field guards 
on stage looking off r. More yells. Ball is 
thrown on from R. Girl catches it and runs out 
r. Yells and cheers. Kate enters with ball 
running. All girls on with her. Some on her 
$ide and some against her; short rally and 
Kate gets ball in basket. More yells. Ball is 
put in play and as much of game as desired 
can be played. Kate scores winning goal. All 
exit and cheers are heard outside.) 

(Enter Shiny r. u. after song. Repeats cheers in 
burlesque.) 

Shiny. Hurrah ! Dey won ! I don't know 
which one of dem won, but Hurrah ! Basket Ball 
are a great game — only T'se mighty sure none 6b 
dem young ladies dat plays so hard would ebber 
work like dat for home and mother. No sah — jess 
ask one of dem to fetch up a basket ob coal out oh 
de cellar and hear de names dey would call yo. 
(down L.) 



60 CUPID AT VASSAR. 

Mrs. Carroll enters dressed in holiday dress a 
little of the country woman, but not too ex- 
treme.) 

Mrs. C. (a). Is the game over, Shiny? 

Shiny, (l.) Yes — and the Seniors won. 

Mrs. I don't care who won, but I am thankful 
to the Lord it's over! Hank! Hank! (she looks 
back and calls out r. u.) You, Hank! I just know 
that that boy will get lost in the crowd ! He never 
w r as away from home before in all his life and I was 
a fool to let him come. 

Shiny. You ain't allowed dat low down trash 
Hank to come up here among us college persons ? 

Mrs. C. He was anxious to see Kate graduate 
and I hadn't the heart to refuse him. 

Shiny. Much good hit will do him. You-all 
carn't penetrate his ignorance wid a little thing like 
graduation day. 

Mrs. C. He wanted to hear the speeches. 

Shiny. Dey won't mean nothing at all to him. 
De only way you could ebber get anything into 
Hank's head would be to saw de top ob his skull off 
and pour oil on the wheels. 

Mrs. C. (up right) Hank ! Hank ! There he 
is now! Hank! This way! (she turns to Shiny) 
He is coming. (Shiny runs up and loo 7 :s off) 

Shiny. Whar ? 

Mrs. C. There ! (she points) 

Shiny. Oh, Lordv ! am dat him ! Fon't ebber 
tell nobody about dis place dat I knows him ! I 
done got de name here cb beins^ a respectable man — 
but h'if he claims me fo' a friend all my education 
am wasted, an' I might jess as well nebber hab come 
to college. 

(Exit L. 2.) 
(Hank enters in comedy make-up; very loud, white 
and black checked clothes, red vest, red tie, red 
socks, trousers turned up, straiv hat with red 



CUPID AT VASSAR. 61 

ribbon, etc. He enters slowly eating an apple 
and a ham sandwich, one of which he holds in 
each hand.) 

Hank, (sees Mrs. C.) Hello! I was afeard 
you was lost. 

Mrs. C. Afraid I was lost ! I never did see such 
a boy! (takes Hank to bench) You sit there and 
don't move from that spot till I come back. I'm 
going to find Kate. 

(Exit r. u.) 

(Hank stands at c. eating with great satisfaction.) 

Hank. Here — don't you leave me all alone with 
all these pretty girls around. The first thing you 
know — you'll be losing me. Two of them shined up 
to me already. Oh ! I'm a regular cuss, when I get 
started. 

(Exit Hank l. 2.) 

(Wajs t da enters from r. and goes down.) 

Wanda, (looks about) I wrote him to be here 
— and I don't think he would dare not to do it — if 
he does — well I'll show him ! That's all. I wrote 
him I had all the papers he tried to rob mother of — 
"and I guess hb knows what I'll do with them if he 
don't do as I tell him to. (l. c.) 

(Amos enters, dressed in light clothes, bv.t not loud 
or queer enough to cause a loud laugh.) 

Amos. (r. c.) Oh! There you are now. 

Wanda. Yes. Waiting for you. 

Amos. Why did you make me come all the way 
up here. 

Wanda. Why? I thought you would be glad to 
see me. 

Amos, (sits on seat) Glad ! You know T 
wouldn't dare not to come. Evorv day since la&l 
Christmas I've been afraid of hieing arrested fdr 



Q2 CUPID AT VASSAR. 

what I tried to do to your mother. I gave her her 
money back, but I knew I wasn't safe as long as 
your folks had those letters of mine. 

Wanda. My folks haven't got them — I have — I 
made mother give them to me. 

Amos. Good ! I'll 

Wanda. Not yet- — - 

Amos. What do you want? Why did you send 
for me. 

Wanda, (goes to oench and sits) I've been 
thinking a lot of this these last few months — I — I 
used to care for John Willett — or I thought I did — 
that's all over now 7 . 

Amos. It's no use to care for a -erson that don't 
care a darn for you. I know how that is myself. 

Wanda. I can't live at home with mother and 
Kate any more — they don't understand me. 

Amos. I guess you mean they do understand you. 

Wanda. We can't live together, and that's all 
there is about it. 

Amos. Do you think Kate is s^oing to marry 
John Willett? " 

Wanda. No — he wrote one more letter to her— - 
since we came back here — but — but Kate didn't" 
get it. 

Amos. You got it. 

Wanda. Yes; and I guess he is too proud to try 
it again. 

Amos. You're a smart girl, Wanda — the smart- 
est girl I ever saw. 

Wanda. I'm glad you say that, Amos — because 
I don't see any reason why we should not see a great 
deal of one another in the future, (puts her hand 
on Amos's knee,, Amos pulls away) 

Amos. Eh ? 

Wanda. I have thought it all out. I can't live 
at home — and I won't live here. I hate this place — 
I want a home of my own. 

Amos. A young girl like you can't live alone. 



CUPID AT VASSAR. 63 



Wanda. No- 



Amos. Of course you might get married. 

Wanda. I — I was thinking of that. 

Amos. Who is the man? 

Wanda, (softly) Amos. 

Amos. Eh ? You don't mean me ? 

Wanda. Yes. 

Amos. I always was the unluckiest man in the 
world. 

Wanda, (up from bench to c.) We know a lot 
about each other, Amos — I would be safer away if— 
if they ever found out about those letters — and you 
would be safer too — if they were in your own 
family- 



Amos. Do you mean you 

Wanda. I have money too you know, from my 
father— almost twenty thousand dollars. 

Amos, (up) Eh — -yes— I— -I always was fond 
of you. (embraces Wanda) 

Wanda. I think we had better call it settled. 

Amos. All right, I'm most desperate anyway and 
I don't care what happens, 

Wanda. I'll tell the girls. It will surprise them. 
(x f R.) 

Amos. It ought to — it surprised me. 

Wanda. Come 

Amos. Don't forget those letters— you'd have to 
give them to me anyway — when we w T ere married. 

Wanda. I don't think so, Amos. I hope that 
you and I will always get along perfectly together — 
but if we should ever disagree — I am sure I would 
be glad that I had your letters — in some safe place. 

(She exits R., he folloivs. Shiny and Hank enter 
l. 2.) 

Shiny, (l. c.) Here you come along. Since 
I've been janitor here, I've had dogs, and cats an' 
white mice, an' rabbits an' worse to keer for, but 
this* am the apex. 



64 CUPID AT VASSAR. 

Hank. (r. c.) What's the matter, Shiny? Say, 
this Vassar is a great place, ain't it? 

Shiny. Well I should say so. 

Hank. Did you get a good look at me? (he 
turns all around showing his clothes) I guess 1 
look ker-sloss-truss, eh ! Did you notice the clothes ? 

Shiny. Notice 'era — a blind man would hab 
noticed 'em a mile away. 

Hank. Fit hs good as if they was made for me — 
get onto this coat. Did you ever see anything like 
it? 

Shiny. No, sah — nor nobody else. 

Hank. Well I had to do ther thing right. Fine 
feathers make fine birds you knew. 

Shiny. But some birds am better off after dey 
done molted. Now h'if you-all expects me to !°t 
you follow me about I got to ask you to do your best 
to act like a real aristocrat. 

Hank. How will I do it ? 

Shiny. When we get up among de ladies an' 
gentlemen jess make up yo' mind what h'it would 
be natural fo' you to do. 

Hank. Yes 

Shiny. And den do different. 

Hank. Oh, you git out. 

(Exit Hank r. 2. Enter Kate r. 3.) 

Kate. Well, what are you waiting for, Shiny? 

Shiny. Why, Miss Kate — what's the matter? 

Kate. I — I am tired, Shiny — that is all. (goes 
and sit on bench) 

Shiny, (r. of bench) You ain't been like your- 
self all year — and since we all was home you've just 
been miserable. 

Kate. You are a foolish fellow — you imagine 
things. 

Shiny. Does I? Mebby I im'agine pale cheeks 
— an' red eyes an' sad looks. • 



CUPID AT VASSAR. G5 

Kate. Of course yen do. I — I am perfectly 
happy. 

Shiny. Perfectly happy? 

Kate. Yes — why shouldn't I be — I got my 
honors — I am one of the Daisy Chain girls and — 
and all my friends are here to-day to see me 
graduate. 

Shiny. Lots ob Great Palls folks is here? 

Kate. Yes 

Shiny. I see most ebbery one — all but one — I 
ain't seen Mr. John Willett — hab you? 

Kate. N — o ! 

Shiny. Does yo'-all expect him? 

Kate. No. 

Shiny. Did he write you dat he was coming? 

Kate. Mr. Willett does not write to me. 

Shiny. I — I thought he did. 

Kate. No. (she rises) 

Shiny. Humph ! I thought he did. 

Kate. Mr. Willett is a very successful man now, 
Shiny — w T e could hardly expect him to remember 
his old friends. 

Shiny. A man, Miss, dat's fool enough to hab 
his happiness in his hand — den throw it away, ain't 
worth shedding many a tear about. 

Kate. You love me, Shiny, don't you? 

Shiny. Yes — I loves yoM 

Kate, (puts her hand kindly on his shoulder) 
Don't grieve for me — if for a moment things seem 
dark to me you must remember that it is only for a 
moment. 

(She exits l., Shiny looks after her.) 

Shiny. L-O-V — Love, dat's de name of her 
troubles — L-o-v — Love, I used to think dat Mister 

Willett was a smart man — now I (he turns as 

John Willett enters from r.) Oh, Lordy! 
Talkin' of devils and yo' bear their hoofs. 

John. Well, Shiny — I see you are still here. 



06 CUPID AT VASSAR. 

Shiny. Yes, sah — I is here — right where I ought 
to be — other folks I knows about ought to have been 
here too — it ain't iV me to name no names. 

John. I have heard a great deal about these 
graduating ceremonies here at Vassar — and as I was 
in New York, I— I thought I would take a run up. 

Shiny. You ain't got no call to explain nothing 
to me. 

John. I don't understand you. 

Shiny. No — dey is lots ob things yo'-all don't 
understand. Yo'-all didn't come here to see no 
young lady in particular ! did yo' ? 

John. Oh, no — no — not at all. 

Shiny. H'it was jess naturally a scrt ob — ob a 
wholesale admiration ob de sex dat done bring you. 

John. Yes — that's right. It is a fine sight — 
all of these young girls — hesitating on the threshold 
of womanhood. 

Shiny. I guess h'if de truth was knowed most 
ob 'em would jess like to slam dat door an' run back 
to their mothers. 

John. But they can't — the world is before them. 

Shiny. Yes — h'it am hard — on de poor ones es- 
pecially — (he looks hard at John) Now dare's 
Miss Kate Newton. (John starts and turns) Did 
you speak, sah? 

John. No — I — you were saying? 

Shiny. Nothing. 

John. About — about Miss Newton? 

Shiny. Oh, yes — ar was talking 'bout her — I 
beg yo' pardon h'if I gits tiresome. 

John. Tell me! is she well? 

Shiny. She ain't exactly what I would call well 
— dey is no use a talking, she ain't what a pusson 
could call well. 

John, (afraid) Why — I — I — Shiny — is — is it 
anything serious? 

Shiny. Some ob 'em gets over h'it, sah — but not 
Miss Kate — dey ain't no chance fo' her. 



CUPID AT VASSAR. 67 

John. And I knew nothing of it. What do the 
doctors say? 

Shiny. Up to de present time dey nebber has 
called me into consultation. 

John. Is it over-work? 

Shiny. No — 'tain't dat. 

John. Is — it — not consumption? 

Shiny. No, 'tain't dat. 

John. What is it! 

Shiny. Dey is different names h'it goes by — ■ 
but at de bottom h'it am a trouble here, (he puts 
his hand on his heart) 

John. Her heart? 

Shiny. Dat's it. 

John. And there is no hope 

Shiny. No, sah — ar guess she am too poor. 

John. Well, I am not poor — pride or no pride 
she has got to listen to me now ! To think of it ! 
Her heart ! She in danger — and I — I — Shiny, I am 
going to find her — she can hate me if she wants to ! 
She can insult me again, as she has done before — 
but in spite of it I'll cure her! 

(He exits r. Shiny laughs until he sinks onto 
seat under tree.) 
Shiny. Dat's de doctor — ar sure done scared 
him — but ar think dat de chances am dat de patient 
will soon recover. 

(He exits laughing.) 
(Music. Girls enter, Kate and others with the 
Daisy Chain — a large rope of daisies carried 
over their shoulders. This rope is a foot wide 
and about eighteen feet long. They enter to 
music and a special musical number on the 
order of a graduating song — perhaps catted 
"The Daisy Chain" — should be used. At end 
of song Kate sits under tree.) 
Sally. Don't sit down — we haven't time — it is 
almost time for the class to form. 



G8 CUPID AT VASSAR. 

Kate. There is no hurry — but we might as well 
go up to the chapel. 

(As they start John enters in a greatly excited 
manner.) 

John. Kate ! Miss Newton ! 

Kate. Oh — is — is it you? 

John. Yes. 

Helen. Honest it is. (she starts laughing, girls 
stop her) 

John. You — you do not look so badly as I ex- 
pected. 

Kate. Sir ! 

John. You — you look almost as well as some of 
the others. 

Kate. He's crazy. 

John. T have telegraphed for one of the great 
New York doctors 

Kate. What ! 

John. He will be here in an hour. Here ! sit 
rVwn and wait until he comes, (he crosses towards 
her as if to drag her to seat. Girls all run away 
screaming) Don't run — don't — it is the worst thing 
you could do ! 

Kate. Mr. Willett — John — are you ill? What 
is it! Let me help you. 

John, (as she crosses to him in real distress) 
Sit down, for Heaven's sake, sit down, (he pushes 
her into seat — girls all but Kate run out l. scream- 
ing) Don't move! Don't move — Oh, Kate! Why 
wasn't I told ! 

Kate. Mr. Willett — what is it, I am sure that 
there is some mistake. I am perfectly well — in fact, 
I have never been better in all my life. 

John. What? Is it possible that you are des- 
perately ill and do not know it? 

Kate. No — it is not at all possible. 

John. Then — then your heart — is all right? 

Kate, (rises) Sir! 

John. Shiny said 



CUPID AT VASSAR. 69 

Kate. Oh — Shiny said — ha — ha — ha — (she sinks 
back on seat laughing) 

John. It wasn't true? 

Kate. No 

John. I (Shiny enters as if to cross. John 

sees him) Ah 

(Fie takes a step toward him — Shiny turns in terror 
and runs out — John starts as if to follow.) 

Kate. Mr. Willett ! (rises — he stops) 

John. So — T have played the fool again — I — I 
hope that you and your friends enjoyed your joke — 
to me it — it was not funny, (he sits on seat) 

Kate, (crosses to him) I — I cannot go away 
and let you think that I would do such a thing. I — 
I — am sorry — and I ask you to believe that I knew 
nothing of it. 

John, (rises) He — he said there was no hope. 
That you — Oh, Kate — he frightened me. I am a 
man — my pride will keep me from begging for your 
love — but when I thought your life in danger — my 
pride went — all I could think was that I loved you 
— that I loved you and that you needed me. 

Kate. You cannot come to me and — and speak 
of love — after — after all these months — like this. 

John. Oh, I had no thought that you wanted to 
see me— you have shown me that plainly enough. 
I have my pride as well as you — and when I think 
of what I wrote you last — I am ashamed. 

Kate. Wrote me! How can you say a thing like 
that. In all my life I never saw a letter written by 
your hand. 

John. I wrote you, not once — but many timeq — 
since that first letter asking you to be my wife, and 
you never even thought me worthy of a refusal. 

Kate. I — I — got no letter — I — 1 waited and 
waited — but you didn't write and — and 

John. I did write — again and again — 1 do not 
understand — they must have been delivered! 



70 CUPID AT VASSAR. 

Kate. I never lost a letter — Wanda always gets 

them for me and 

John. Wanda ! 

Kate. John — she got them- 



John. She would not dare ! 

Kate. Wouldn't she — you don't know Wanda- — 

John. Then — if you had heard — Kate ! My 
first letter — you did not answer it — I — I asked you 
to be my wife. 

Kate. I — I — I am afraid I will be late, (she 
starts) 

John. No — (he stops her) I want my answer, 

Kate. Not — not here. 

John. I have waited long enough — (Sally and 
Helen enter back of trees, etc., looking at them, and 
then motion for the other girls. All girls enter) 
Will you be my wife ? Answer me — now that we are 
alone ! 

Kate. I— I — - 

John. I love you. 

Kate. I — I think perhaps there was some trouble 
with, with my heart. 

(He puts his arms about her and kisses her.) 

Girls. Ahem ! 

Kate. Oh! (they jump apart) 
(Girls cross down.) 
All. Oh, my ! an engagement ! 

(Wanda and Amos enter — cross down c.) 
Helen. Wanda! They are engaged. 
Wanda, (takes Amos by arm) And so are we? 
Kate. You ! You are going to marry Amos ? 

Wanda. Yes 

Kate. Poor Amos. 

CURTAIN. 

(2d. — Everybody on. Mrs. C. with John. Bell 
rings and girls put on Daisy Chain. Music. 
Exit to the song.) 



hov 15 *** 



